Buffalo Grove kindergarten teacher honored by Archdiocese of Chicago

Kindergarten teacher Mary Jo Elsey of St. Mary School in Buffalo Grove has been honored with a Heart of the Future award by the Archdiocese of Chicago.

This award recognizes employees who have worked in education for three years or less and demonstrate outstanding excellence, leadership and service. Those chosen inspire those around them with their enthusiasm and support of the archdiocese's educational mission, the diocese said in an announcement of the award Thursday.

Elsey is one of 18 archdiocese educators recognized with in the 2019 Heart of the School Awards. The winners, who represent Catholic elementary and high schools across Cook and Lake counties, were selected from 500 nominees based on their outstanding contributions to the schools and the students they serve.

For a full list of winners, visit schools.archchicago.org/heart-of-the-school-award.