10 from District 207 honored by State Board of Education

A total of 10 individuals from District 207 were honored as part of the Illinois State Board of Education Those Who Excel and Teacher of the Year program this year. The program aims to recognize those who have made significant contributions to public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools in Illinois.

There are three areas of recognition including awards of excellence, awards of meritorious service and awards of special recognition within six categories: classroom teachers, early career educators (teachers 1-4 years), school administrators, student support personnel, educational service personnel and community volunteers.

The following District 207 staff members earned awards of excellence in their respective categories:

• Maine East Assistant Principal for Student Supports Nelly Diaz (school administrator)

• Maine East Special Education Teacher Jamie Kumiega (classroom teacher)

• Maine West World Languages Teacher Madison Mahler (early career educator)

The following District 207 staff members earned an award of meritorious service:

• Maine West Counselor Allyson Adams (student support personnel)

• Maine South Science Teacher Kendra O’Halloran (classroom teacher)

• Maine South Career and Technical Education Teacher Elizabeth Terpstra (classroom teacher)

• Frost Academy Psychologist Dr. Kristina Wiemer (student support personnel)

• Community volunteer Vikki Spiteri also won an award of meritorious service in the community volunteer category.

Additionally, the following District 207 staff members won awards of recognition in their respective categories:

• Maine South Special Education Teacher Assistant Angela Margaris (educational service personnel)

• Maine East Social Science Teacher Dhruvi Soni (early career educator)

The Those Who Excel and Teacher of the Year program has been in place since 1970 and each year all awardees are honored at an annual banquet in the spring.