District 214 honors Distinguished Service Award winners

The Township High School District 214 board of education honored 11 individuals with the district's Distinguished Service Awards.

The awards are given annually to people who have made significant contributions to the district and its students.

“These are people who selflessly and routinely go the extra mile to make a positive impact in others' lives,” said board President Dan Petro in announcing the awards.

“They have dedicated themselves to serving our schools and programs. We talk often in District 214 about preparing students for futures we can't imagine, and these volunteers have stepped in energetically to help make that happen.”

The 2019-20 Distinguished Service Awards honorees are:

Mike Kurgan, regional manager of Atlantic Aviation, was honored for his unprecedented support in working with the District 214 Administration Center and the District 214/Lewis University Aviation Academy. In summer 2019, when District 214 began retrofitting a hangar at Chicago Executive Airport as a classroom space, it quickly became apparent that the scope of work was more significant than anticipated.

Kurgan, on behalf of Atlantic, immediately stepped in to facilitate the academy's move into an Atlantic conference room, housing the program for the entire first semester.

Kurgan also facilitated meetings with government entities to ensure compliance.

Michael Mokate was recognized for his volunteer work with the District 214 Community Education Read to Learn program. Since retiring from the corporate world three years ago, he has worked with students from Ukraine, Russia, Japan, India, South Korea and Mexico.

Mokate also helps with learner registration and grading tests, including assisting one student's efforts to successfully acquire the NIMS Credential for Measurement, Materials & Safety.

Danielle Brengel was awarded for her work in introducing Buffalo Grove High School coaches to human performance scientist John Underwood and his teachings on scientific research and data regarding mood and mindset, training and nutrition, sleep and recovery and chemical health.

Over the past five years, Brengel and her team have helped secure opportunities for Buffalo Grove students to attend Underwood's national conference and the Illinois Human Performance Project's regional conferences.

Through her efforts, the school established its own ILHPP chapter, and the program has expanded to other district schools.

Al and Colleen Cloherty were honored for their 10-year involvement with Elk Grove High School as the youngest of their three children graduated this year.

Colleen Cloherty has been an active member and leader of the Parent-Teacher Council. She has also kept the Elk Grove Post Prom experience alive, giving thousands of students a safe Prom Night alternative.

Al Cloherty has worked with the school's athletic programs, serving as treasurer of the Grenadier Athletic Boosters for four years and playing an influential role in creating a vision for the athletic program. The couple is consistently able to get other parents engaged and excited about Elk Grove High School.

Donald Cosley, a local attorney and District 214 alumnus, was honored for supporting the Law & Equity Pathway at John Hersey High School for several years. Cosley, who worked with district staff to help develop the program, has been a guest speaker in law classes and taught students about careers in law.

He also volunteers many hours helping to establish and improve the school's mock trial team, attending practices, teaching legal techniques and serving as a judge.

In addition, Cosley provides internship opportunities for students.

Dawn Fletcher Collins, executive director of the Mount Prospect Chamber of Commerce, was recognized for her work as a catalyst for Prospect High School's “Prospect Gives Back Day.”

Over the past four years, she has lined up more than 25 connections with local businesses for the community service blitz held in October, with students performing approximately 4,500 hours of service.

In addition, Fletcher Collins has rallied businesses to create student internship opportunities. She currently is working with the school's new Cultural Studies class on a farm-to-table project by creating a partnership with the Mount Prospect Farmers Market to support students' mastery of agribusiness.

Jay Reed was honored for his support of Rolling Meadows High School's agriculture career pathway, with a focus on veterinary science.

Over 12 weeks, Reed brings in trained therapy dogs for students to earn required Student Agricultural Experience hours through a dog therapy micro-internship.

Reed spent more than 50 hours this year teaching students and the agriculture staff the skills needed to become therapy dog handlers.

Abel and Tammy Montesinos were recognized for their work with the Specialized Schools Life Program at Forest View Educational Center. The Montesinos, through their Sweet T's Bakery & Cake Studio in Arlington Heights, have provided students with meaningful vocational experiences over the past four years.

Students gain real-life work experiences and practice their social skills in a professional setting. The Sweet T's staff is extremely welcoming, offering students inclusive opportunities to be a part of the community.

Veronica O'Sullivan is being honored for her extensive work with the Wheeling High School Parent-Teacher Organization. O'Sullivan has volunteered hundreds of hours to make sure teachers feel appreciated and have the necessary resources and support throughout the year.

This year, she was instrumental in helping host the inaugural Bright Futures Gala, which raised more than $30,000 to support students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Her efforts also enabled the PTO to raise nearly $2,000 for teacher grants and student scholarships.