Meadows teacher elected to science curriculum board

Ÿ Stephen Traphagen, a Rolling Meadows High School science teacher and Knowles Science Teaching Foundation Fellow, was elected to the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) board of directors.

BSCS is a pre-eminent science education organization based in Colorado Springs, Colo.

The BSCS board of directors is composed of educators, educational researchers, scientists and business leaders from across the country who are committed to improving STEM education. BSCS board members are elected to three-year terms for up to two terms.

Traphagen has taught high school biology, AP biology and chemistry at Rolling Meadows since 2011.

Ÿ Paul Cathey, Des Plaines Park District superintendent of parks and planning, received the Dedicated to Excellence Award at the May board meeting, from Executive Director John Hecker. Cathey was recognized for his leadership and management skills, his strong work ethic, and long-standing loyalty to the district.

The Dedicated to Excellence Award is presented three times a year to employees, who have made a positive contribution to the park district. Potential recipients are nominated by park district staff members, and evaluated by the Employee Relations Committee and administrators for creativity, responsibility, community relations and customer service.

Cathey began his career at the Des Plaines Park District in April of 1995, as superintendent of parks. His responsibilities include managing a full-time staff of 25 in building services, special projects, mechanical operations and landscape maintenance.

Ÿ The Special Leisure’s Services Foundation awarded the Palatine Women’s Club its Kevin T. Kendrigan Spirit Award for 2012.

Kevin T. Kendrigan was the founding director of the Northwest Special Recreation Association and worked tirelessly to provide recreational opportunities for the disabled in Illinois.

For information on the Paltine Women’s Club, visit, palatine-womens-club.org.