Thompson psychologist honored

Tom Forman feels a little funny admitting it, but since he has been a school psychologist, he has longed to see a Practitioner of the Year award on his mantel.

Unknown to him, Forman's colleagues at Thompson School in Lake Villa were also hoping the honor would be bestowed on him.

A group of teachers at Thompson School enlisted the help of Forman's wife and secretly nominated him for the honor.

Forman was given the Illinois School Psychologist Association Practitioner of the Year Award.

The ISPA conference took place Jan. 21 to Feb. 2 in Springfield Ill.

"I was very surprised and really had a sense of shock," Forman said, adding that when the letter arrived in the mail telling him about the award, he still didn't put the pieces together that he won.

"The award is announced at the state conference every year and is something I was aware of and always dreamed about," he said. "It is great to be acknowledged in that way."

Kathie Blasius, one of the teachers who nominated Forman, said he is loved by children and respected by colleagues because of his intellect, enthusiasm and sense of humor.

"I nominated Tom due his ability to balance his responsibilities as a dedicated father and husband, a full-time psychologist, while completing his doctoral degree at Loyola University," Blasius said. "He is a key person in implementing positive change in District 41 and we are lucky to have him on our team."