Neighbors in the news: Automotive teacher at Hersey wins cash prize for excellence

• Jim VanBladel, an automotive teacher from Hersey High School in Arlington Heights, was named a winner of the 2022 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence, winning $15,000 for himself and $35,000 for his school program.

VanBladel is one of 20 prize winners from across the country. Winning teachers come from a variety of skilled trades career pathways, including automotive, construction, carpentry, industrial technology, welding, agricultural mechanics and machining.

The Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence was launched in 2017 by Eric Smidt, founder of Harbor Freight Tools, to recognize outstanding instruction in the skilled trades in U.S. public high schools.

"We cannot overstate the impact that high school skilled trades teachers are having in the classroom. Hands-on skilled trades classes are making a comeback, and we couldn't be prouder to celebrate the accomplishments of these remarkable teachers and their programs," said Danny Corwin, executive director of Harbor Freight Tools for Schools.

For 15 years, VanBladel has taught automotive technology at Hersey. When he first took over the automotive program in 2006, there were only two sections of Automotive Technology, and most of his day was spent teaching CAD and Architecture.

Within five years of taking over the program, he was a full-time Automotive Technology instructor, an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certified Technician, and had achieved ASE Education Foundation Accreditation for the program. There are now two automotive instructors and a waiting list to enroll in the program.

VanBladel earned a master's degree in educational technology and the certificate to be an Educational Technology Specialist. He recently became a member of the American Welding Society, and enrolled in welding courses at Harper College with the goal of becoming an AWS-certified welder.

•

Katherine Sawyer, chief advancement officer at Oakton Community College, was among four higher education leaders elected to serve on the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) board of directors, the premier member organization for strategic board governance in higher education.

In addition to her role as chief advancement officer, Sawyer also serves as Oakton's associate vice president of Marketing and Communications. She oversees the work of the college's educational foundation, alumni and affinity programs, marketing and communication, legislative affairs, and community relations.

Sawyer joined Oakton Community College in 2018 after serving as executive director of Institutional Advancement and Foundation at Elgin Community College. She also previously served as associate executive director of the Harper College Educational Foundation at William Rainey Harper College in Palatine.

"I am honored to be named a director for the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges," Sawyer said.

"AGB strengthens higher education governing boards and the strategic roles they serve within their organizations. It's the trusted resource for board members, chief executives and key administrators on higher education governance and leadership."

Sawyer, a Palatine resident, is active in her community, including as a member of the League of Women Voters-Palatine Area.

•

Fred Braun has joined the village of Barrington as its new Public Works director.

"The village board of trustees and I are very pleased to welcome Fred Braun to the village of Barrington," said village Manager Scott Anderson. "We conducted an extensive search for this critical position in our community, and Fred rose to the top as someone who will bring high-quality leadership, extensive experience, and the credentials to lead the Barrington Public Works department."

Braun has more than 25 years of public works experience. He first joined the village of Niles as a summer seasonal employee in 1996. After a brief period in the private sector, he returned to Niles as a full-time employee, serving as deputy director of Public Services and superintendent of Streets and Sewers before being named the director of Public Services in 2018.

Braun is a member of the American Public Works Association, and has won numerous awards for his work in Niles. He holds a bachelor's degree in public administration from Northeastern Illinois University and is a graduate of the Illinois Public Service Institute. He has numerous state certifications and is a certified arborist by the International Society of Arboriculture.

•

Hoffman Estates resident Eric Heicher has just released his first book, "Regicide: Storm Cloud," a fantasy novel, through Dorrance Publishing Company, Inc., of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Heicher, a first-time author, has always had a passion for creative writing, as well as video gaming - his favorite hobby.

"Any lover of fantasy, adventuring, and lovable, relatable characters will find an edge-of-your-seat journey in 'Regicide: Storm Cloud,'" said Brittany Baker, Dorrance Publishing.

Heicher's book is a 248-page paperback with a retail price of $18.

• Submit 'Neighbors in the News' items to ntwohey@dailyherald.com.