BGHS's Jeff Siegal wins 'Adviser of the Year'

Jeffrey Siegal, of the Special Education Department at Buffalo Grove High School and sponsor of the "Blue Crew" spirit group, is the recent recipient of the Illinois Directors of Student Activities' (IDSA) inaugural award, "Adviser of the Year."

At the IDSA's 23rd Annual Banquet and Celebration on Nov. 15, Siegal and other outstanding student activity leaders in the state of Illinois were honored for their exceptional contributions and presented awards for 2009.

Siegal has long organized and encouraged student involvement in outreach programs to the community, as well as the Blue Crew's initial focus of support of student athletes and student activities. If there is a cause or a need to champion in the BGHS community, Siegal's Blue Crew takes it on with energy and passion.

Some of the recipients of Blue Crew's efforts and boundless enthusiasm are organizations such as Meals-on-Wheels, Adopt-a-School, and Imerman Angels and Camp One Step

Ahead, both cancer charities. Siegal and his Blue Crew organize the Prom Fashion Show, Senior Teach Day, and the Senior Breakfast, and they volunteer their time with children in the Little Bison Preschool. The Blue Crew has a six-year tradition of providing a rousing send-off to all qualifying athletes who go on to state competition.

This year, BGHS provided Siegal a similar send-off as he went to the IDSA convention as a presenter and award recipient.

Siegal is also active in other cocurricular programs within District 214, including his position as head cheerleading coach at Elk Grove High School and member of the coaching staff for BGHS boys volleyball.

"I was very flattered to receive this award," said Siegal. "This is a huge honor by which I am very humbled."