Education Foundation honored 44 DSA nominees during ceremony
The Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58 hosted its Distinguished Service Awards ceremony on Tuesday, April 30 at Ashyana Banquets in Downers Grove. This ceremony annually honors those District 58 employees who exceed expectations and serve as inspirations to their community.
“This year, we will celebrate a record-breaking 44 outstanding District 58 employees nominated for this honor. These staff members represent every single school in District 58, plus the Longfellow Center,” said Marc Hausmann, the event emcee and a former Foundation director. “Each of their contributions has made a lasting impact on District 58, and more importantly, on the children we serve.”
The Distinguished Service Awards ceremony recognized employees who were nominated by a parent, student or colleague. The ceremony gave each nominator the opportunity to share a few words about what makes their nominee special and deserving of the award. The event concluded with the announcement of this year’s Distinguished Service Award winners.
The 2019 Distinguished Service Award winner in the Staff Category is Todd McDaniel, principal of Henry Puffer School. McDaniel received nominations from several Henry Puffer employees, who shared simple, yet impactful, personal anecdotes that demonstrated how McDaniel exemplifies distinguished service every single day.
For example, Henry Puffer Teacher Andrew Kupisch shared an experience from his second year of teaching. On one particular Saturday, he felt overwhelmed and questioned his career choice. He called McDaniel to convey his thoughts, expecting a brief conversation. Instead, McDaniel promptly asked Kupsich if he was free to meet in person in one hour.
“Our conversation lasted almost three hours; for those that know Todd, this is not surprising, for he knows how to spin a good story!” Kupisch said. “I left feeling recharged, rejuvenated and ready to re-engage with my work with a different mindset. This anecdote perfectly exemplifies the kind of man he is: one who will give up his time for those in need.”
The 2019 Distinguished Service Award winner in the Teacher Category is Nicole Ferroli, who serves as a seventh grade English-language arts teacher at O’Neill Middle School. O’Neill Parent Diane Lube and her son, RJ, nominated Mrs. Ferroli for this honor. Their nomination essay showed how Ferroli goes above and beyond every day.
“This teacher knows every nuance of every student’s personality, including strengths and challenges,” Emcee Hausmann said, before announcing Ferroli’s name as the winner.
In addition, student RJ said that Ferroli has not only been a teacher to him, she is also a comedian, resource, a safe zone and a mentor. “I am incredibly grateful for her assisting me in a great transition to O’Neill,” RJ said.
The April 30 Distinguished Service Award event honored the following 44 nominees:
- Ashley Austin, Indian Trail Fourth Grade Teacher
- Brian Barnas, Herrick English-Language Arts Teacher
- Meghan Beard, Lester Third Grade Teacher
- Andrew Biederman, Kingsley Fourth Grade Teacher
- Nichole Calcagno, Kingsley Kindergarten Teacher
- Kris Ceas, Herrick Resource Teacher
- Tracy Cottrell, Highland First Grade Teacher
- Laura DiPietro, Hillcrest Developmental Learning Program Teacher
- Sara Felker, Whittier Social Worker
- Nicole Ferroli, O'Neill English-Language Arts Teacher
- Kimberly Fisher, Lester First Grade Teacher
- Marla Gilbert, Kingsley Behavioral, Emotional and Social Training Program Teacher
- Jill Henry, Herrick Science Teacher
- Sandi Hudecek, Highland Resource Teacher
- Anne Kehoe, Highland Second Grade Teacher
- Judy Kindermann, District (Longfellow) Technician
- Amy Kozlowski, Fairmount Second Grade Teacher
- Craig Kubinski, Pierce Downer Head Custodian
- Joan Landry, Indian Trail Instructional Assistant
- Kristen Leonard, Lester Social Worker
- Bob Luciano, Fairmount Fourth Grade Teacher
- Cheryl Lyons, Whittier Fifth Grade Teacher
- Katie Main, Fairmount Kindergarten Teacher
- Betsy Matson, Belle Aire Fifth Grade Teacher
- Gloria McCollum, O’Neill Resource Teacher
- Todd McDaniel, Henry Puffer Principal
- Kelly Mellott, Hillcrest Resource Teacher
- Louise Modine, Whittier Third Grade Teacher
- Bridget Moore, Highland Principal
- Laura Novotny, Lester First Grade Teacher
- Joan Pitassi, Kingsley Instructional Assistant
- Lauren Prosser, Hillcrest Second Grade Teacher
- Michelle Rzepka, Hillcrest Principal
- Michelle Schmidt, Kingsley, Herrick and O’Neill Occupational Therapist
- Cathy Seiden, Kingsley First Grade Teacher
- Taylor Sopron, Whittier/Lester Physical Education Teacher
- Theresa Steiner, Belle Aire, Henry Puffer, Herrick and Pierce Downer Band Teacher
- Elizabeth Stroud, Fairmount Teacher Librarian
- Pat Szczurek, Lester First Grade Teacher
- Dorothy Tapert, Indian Trail Instructional Assistant
- Cathy Tupy, Kingsley Instructional Assistant
- Christina Wallace, Highland Second Grade Teacher
- Janet Weiner, El Sierra Secretary
- Rebecca Wirth, Belle Aire First Grade Teacher
Congratulations to the 2018-19 Distinguished Service Award winners and nominees!
View a video honoring the nominees at https://youtu.be/1rCEBlPCTzQ.
For more information about the Distinguished Service Award program or the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58, please contact Megan Hewitt, community relations coordinator, at 630-719-5805 or mhewitt@dg58.org.