District 200 honors three top teachers

One of the teachers has regular celebrations for students who turn in all their homework.

Another hosts a summer orchestra program at her house.

The third is a high school band director who a student called "one of the most inspirational teachers I have ever had."

In recognition of the work they do for Wheaton Warrenville Unit District 200, educators Anne McDonald, Joanne Wegscheid and Vic Scimeca each received the Distinguished Teacher Award from the NEW 200 Foundation, a nonprofit group operated by parents. The teachers were recognized during Wednesday night's school board meeting.

"It's all too easy to take teachers and their huge efforts for granted," said Chris Wood, president of the NEW 200 Foundation. "We're so lucky to be in this district and to have the schools, facilities and teachers that we have."

Each year, the foundation gives the awards to an elementary, middle and high school teacher. This year, there were more than 60 nominees.

Wegscheid, an orchestra teacher, said she was surprised to learn she was nominated by a group of her students at Edison Middle School.

"It's fantastic to see how much it means to the kids," she said.

In their nomination letter, the students wrote Wegscheid goes "above and beyond" and comes up with "creative ways to help us understand new concepts."

"She never discourages us," the students wrote, "only encourages us to try harder and reach new goals."

Vic Scimeca, the band director at Wheaton Warrenville South High School, also was praised by a student for his ability to encourage others.

"The best thing about Mr. S is the fact that skill level is not a hindrance in his mind," Garrett White wrote. "He is constantly reiterating that good can always be better."

Meanwhile, Anne McDonald, a fifth-grade teacher at Lowell Elementary School, said her goal in the classroom isn't to win awards.

"I just feel like I am doing what I need to do to make learning fun for the kids," she said, "and that they acquire the life skills for middle school."

In addition to honoring the Distinguished Teacher Award recipients, District 200 officials publicly congratulated Wheaton Warrenville South teacher Jim Stankevitz for receiving the Outstanding High School Physics Teacher Award from the Illinois Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers. Stankevitz was presented with the award in March.