Special tribute planned for Glenbard N. teacher

Bill Schraft could play just about any instrument in the band room, but his passion was the percussion section.

It's fitting then, that his students will honor the Glenbard North High School teacher with some of his favorite music.

Schraft, a 28-year-veteran of the Carol Stream school, died Wednesday morning after suffering a severe stroke over the weekend.

His students are planning to honor him with a percussion extravaganza during halftime at Friday night's playoff game. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. and halftime should be around 8 to 8:30 p.m.

The kids are putting the tribute together themselves, Principal John Mensik said.

News hit the school hard Wednesday. Schraft was a fixture at Glenbard North -- having been there since 1979 -- and was very well liked by both students and teachers, Mensik said.

"He was an extremely positive person, never had anything bad to say about anybody," Mensik said. "He was extremely loved by his students."

Schraft was in charge not only of the band program at the school but also of the school's entire music department.

Funeral arrangements are pending.