Distinguished Service Award Nominees Unveiled For District 58

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Downers Grove Grade School District 58 recently announced the Education Foundation's 2024 Distinguished Service Award nominees.

The teachers and staff members who were nominated are as follows:

• Carly Alfieri, Kingsley, BEST Teacher
• Valerie McKinley, Indian Trail, RISE Teacher
• Taylor Carroll, Indian Trail, 4th grade teacher
• Megan Gilbert, Indian Trail, Kindergarten teacher
• Colleen Brejcha, Fairmount, 6th grade teacher
• Katie Main, Fairmount, 1st grade teacher
• Laura Novotny, Lester, 1st grade teacher
• Jon Vidovic, Herrick, Resource teacher
• Rachel Bush, Kingsley, 1st grade teacher
• Ashley Quill, Whittier, 1st grade teacher
• Jenna Smitley, Whittier, 4th grade teacher
• Katie Hurckes, Indian Trail, Interventionist
• Matthew D'Angelo, Hillcrest, 4th grade teacher
• Katherine Falk, Fairmount, 5th grade teacher
• Matthew Leiser, Lester, 2nd grade teacher
• Katie Porter, Whittier, Resource teacher
• Toni Belken, Henry Puffer, preschool teacher
• Barb Manley, O’Neill, Family/Consumer Science
• Andrew Schmidt, Herrick, Math teacher
• Tracy Rasmussen, Kingsley, Resource teacher
• Katharine Gaudio, Highland, 3rd grade teacher
• Kimberly Musial, Highland, 2nd grade teacher
• Kimberly Fisher, Lester, 1st grade teacher
• Lisa Rose, Belle Aire, Highland, Pierce Downer, Whittier, Orchestra teacher
• Jennifer Mejdrech, Fairmount, Social Worker
• Amy D'Amico and Marybeth Giuffre, Belle Aire Secretaries
• Maria Ramirez, Whittier Head Custodian
• Lauren Prosser El Sierra, Fairmount, Whittier, Puffer Instructional Coach
• Christine Priester, District Office Curriculum Coordinator
• Sara Felker, Whittier Social Worker
• Ann Brinkman, Erin Blank, Addie Pampalone; Hillcrest nursing staff
• Marie McMaster, Indian Trail nurse

The awards seek to honor those staff members who serve as excellent role models and demonstrate consistent, holistic care for students.

"Recognizing teachers and educational staff not only boosts morale and motivation but also emphasizes the invaluable role they play in nurturing young minds and fostering a lifelong love for learning," Janet Alikpala, President of the Education Foundation of School District 58 told Patch in a statement.

Mia Churma, who chairs the Distinguished Service Awards, added, "Teacher and staff recognition awards celebrate and highlight the wonderful impact that educators have not only on their current students but in shaping future generations."

Two Distinguished Service Award winners will be revealed with surprise visits at their schools on May 15.