7 School District 161 educators are "Those Who Excel"

The Illinois State Board of Education will honor seven Flossmoor School District 161 representatives during the 38th annual Those Who Excel banquet on October 22, in Normal, Illinois. The Those Who Excel awards program annually recognizes and honors people who have made outstanding contributions to public and nonpublic elementary and secondary education. A selection committee comprised of statewide educators will convene in early summer to evaluate and score the district’s nominations.

The District has nominated individuals/team in the following categories:

                  *Student Support Personnel (certified): Kathy Knawa- Mrs. Knawa has been the District’s School nurse for the past eleven years. She efficiently manages the health and well- being of our District’s students and staff. In addition, she participates in the District’s Special Olympics and Girls on the Run programs.

                  *Educational Service Personnel (noncertified): Pamela Abbott – Mrs. Abbot has been a paraprofessional in our District for twelve years.  Her nominator stated that she possesses a strength and calm which makes her an ideal aide for students with special needs.

                  *Community Volunteer: Maggie Bachus – Mrs. Bachus is an active volunteer within our PTO. She spearheaded our District’s Green Team effort and built consensus to revamp Mardi Gras, a major PTO fund raiser.

                  *Classroom Teacher: Joan Mahler - Mrs. Mahler is a thirteen year veteran of the District. As stated in her nomination “there is nothing gimmicky about her classroom; it is simply the qualities that Mrs. Mahler possesses: caring, thoughtful, inviting and approachable.”

                  *School Administrator: Karen Johnson – Mrs. Johnson is completing her thirty-seventh year in public education.  Her nominator stated “She has high expectations of herself as principal and is always going above and beyond to service the needs of all students, staff, and community.”

                  *Early Career Educator: Ashley Pelley – Ms. Pelley has been a teacher in our District for three years.  As an Early Career Educator she has “demonstrated a deep understanding of student needs, the pursuit of learning through professional development and a proficiency in technology and its application.”

                  *Team: Flossmoor School District 161 PTO- Our PTO supports all of our District schools. Their focus is always the children and how to support their success.

The District is proud of our outstanding representatives and looks forward to state recognition at the Those Who Excel banquet in the fall!