Des Plaines Park District honors early childhood teacher

Des Plaines resident Laura Meza, the Spanish, Bilingual and Early Childhood teacher at the Des Plaines Park District, was recognized with the Dedicated to Excellence Award at the April 19 park board meeting. Meza joined the park district in 2010, and works with Recreation Supervisor Karyn Roth to build the district's Spanish and Bilingual programs for ages 2 to 10. She is also the lead teacher for several Early Childhood classes. The award is presented three times a year to employees who have made a positive contribution to the park district.

• Mike Konopa and Amena Moin, two staff members at Clare Oaks, a continuing care retirement community in Bartlett, were honored by LeadingAge Illinois, an association of providers serving Illinois older adults. Konopa won the Hearts and Hands Award, given to an individual who embraces person-centered care through efforts that go beyond those normally considered within their job description, and demonstrates exceptional relationships with residents. Moin received the Strive and Thrive Award, given to an individual who demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to excellence. The awards were presented during the recent LeadingAge Illinois annual Meeting & Expo.

• District 214's director of Technology Services Keith Bockwoldt was elected to the 2016-2017 board of directors of the Consortium for School Networking, a professional association for school system technology leaders. As the governing body that supports CoSN's members and the association's strategic mission, the board of directors comprises 15 education leaders from across the country who represent more than 10 million students nationwide.

• Palatine High School student Susan Jablonski has won the 8th Congressional District Art Competition. Jablonski was selected by a panel of local judges who reviewed almost 60 different submissions by high school students from around the 8th District. Her piece, "Glamour Shot IV," will be displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol and she will be recognized in Washington, D.C.

• Augustana College sophomore Maxwell Bestvina of Arlington Heights received an honorable mention for his paper, "The Army Navy 'E' Production Award and the Quad Cities in World War II," presented at the regional Phi Alpha Theta history honor society conference on April 2, at Western Illinois University, Macomb. The conference allowed Bestvina to meet history students and teachers from other colleges, see different perspectives and share ideas.

• Send your 'Neighbors in the News' items to Norrine Twohey at ntwohey@dailyherald.com.