District 212 hosts Employer Appreciation Luncheon
Held at both campuses, the event recognizes the long-standing relationship Leyden has with community commerce and the on-the-job training employers provide for Leyden students. The occasion also honors two outstanding businesses that have supported the work program through the years.
At the East campus luncheon, a Certificate of Recognition was presented to Power Distribution Equipment Company, a business that specializes in the design and manufacturing of custom electrical switchboards. Established in 1997, the company assists Leyden with its objective to provide the workforce with skilled, work-ready employees. Currently two Leyden work program students are employed by the Franklin Park company.
At West Leyden the Certificate of Recognition went to Ozzie's Deli Liquor and Food Store located in Melrose Park and known for its extensive menu including "the world's best subs". Owned and operated since 1972 by the Venturini family, Ozzie's has been an integral part of the work program for 15 years.
Fran Brady, Director of Careers and Chairperson of the Business Education Department, also was honored for her leadership skills and dedication to the work program. Brady, who has been a District 212 employee for 32 years, will retire at the end of this school year.
During her remarks at both events, Brady noted that Leyden's work program has been beneficial to both students and community businesses for almost half a century.
"Our kids have you and you have us," Brady said. "Together we have made this happen. For close to 50 years, Leyden's work program has flourished. Our students and business partners have grown to realize the full potential of what it means to work together."
In addition to the two featured businesses, the following businesses and companies also were recognized at the luncheons:
East Leyden
A-1 Tool Corporation, Al Piemonte Ford, Baker's Square, Best Buy, Bogart's Bar & Grill, Angelo Caputo's Fresh Market, Denny's Restaurant, DKNY, Dunkin' Donuts, El Burrito Amigo, Elmcrest Banquets, Fitz's Spare Keys, Fragrance Outlet, Franklin Park Library, Hanging Gardens Banquets, Ivan Auto Care, Jason's Tire Shop, Jewel-Osco, East Leyden maintenance department, Little Tokyo, Majestic Woodwork, Markpol, McDonald's, Montrose Food Mart, Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association, P & K Research, Prospect Airport Services, Roberto's Ristorante & Pizzeria, Save & Tell Outlet, Schiller Park Public Library, Schiller Park Recreation, Stevenson Elementary, The Dome at the Ballpark, Tribune Direct, UPS, Walgreens, Wilson's Leather and Wrestling Gear.com.
West Leyden
Bath and Body Works, Boston Market, Brookfield Zoo, Brunswick Zone, Buffalo Wild Wings, Burger King, Casa San Carlo, Chipotle, Cochiaro's Pizza, Cupcakes by A. Monet, Delta Sonic Car Wash, Dennis Plumbing, Dunkin' Donuts, GTO Muffler and Brakes, Jewel-Osco, Kentucky Fried Chicken, K-Mart, Lexington Square, Leyden Community Center, The Limited, McDonald's, Ms. Roberts Academy, O'Hare BP, Once Upon a Child, Payless, Prospect Airport Service, Schiller Park Recreation, Snyder's of Hanover, Windsor; and West Leyden autos, bookstore, duplicating, family and consumer science department, Life Transition Program, nurse's office, media center, technology department, TSI, and maintenance department.