John Bays, Jim Glasgow Get Awards For Lincoln School's New Kitchen

JOLIET — Inside the Lincoln School building on Joliet's east side, Will County's Regional Superintendent of Schools Lisa Caparelli-Ruff unveiled her agency's Lincoln Kitchen Project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday afternoon.

Caparelli-Ruff also handed out special awards to Will County State's Attorney Jim Glasgow, Joliet businessman John Bays of Bays Investment Corporation and to Pete Colarelli of ExxonMobil for their roles in helping her create the new kitchen for the students who go to Lincoln School.

"We are thrilled to celebrate the official opening of the Lincoln Kitchen Project, a culmination of collaborative effort and shared vision," remarked Caparelli-Ruff, Regional Superintendent of Schools. "This milestone underscores our commitment to providing a safe and enriching environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The Lincoln Kitchen Project will serve as a beacon of inspiration, enabling us to nurture the potential of our students and empower them to become responsible citizens of tomorrow."

Wednesday's ribbon-cutting drew regional dignitaries, community leaders, educators and students. Other elected officials in attendance included: Senator Rachel Ventura, Judy Ogalla-Will County Board chairwoman, and State Representative Anthony DeLuca.

As the Lincoln Kitchen Project opens its doors, the Lincoln Regional Safe School program reaffirms its commitment to fostering an environment where all students can thrive and succeed. This exciting venture marks the beginning of a new era in educational excellence, one that is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of student success, according to the Regional Superintendent of Schools.