District 202 Staff Gets Award Nomination For Exemplary Leadership

PLAINFIELD, IL — Anthony Manville, former District 202 assistant superintendent for administration and personnel, has been nominated for the 2020-2021 national LifeChanger of the Year Capstone award.

According to a release from the Plainfield School District 202, the award is designated for educators retiring at the end of the 2019-20 school year. Manville is retiring June 30 after 32 years in public education, including 21 years in Plainfield.

His colleague Cindy Westfall nominated him for his exemplary leadership.

"I am honored and humbled for being nominated for this award by Mrs Westfall," Manville told Patch. "I was fortunate throughout my career to be surrounded by great people who all wanted the same outcome."

Manville taught social studies and psychology and coached baseball for several years before opening and leading several District 202 schools during a period of extreme growth.

Those that have worked with him said he builds incredibly strong relationships with students, always reminding them to never underestimate themselves, to have goals in life, and that nothing is out of their reach, Westfall said.

"As a mentor and colleague, Manville also has an ability to make each team member feel valued," she said. "No matter their role in the district, he makes time for anyone and reminds them of their importance. He will be dearly missed by so many. He has touched thousands of lives in his career."

Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, LifeChanger of the Year recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 educators and school district employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.

Each school year, LifeChanger of the Year receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Eighteen individual LifeChanger of the Year awards will be given during the 2020-2021 school year. The grand prize includes an award of $10,000 to be split between a $5,000 individual cash award and a $5,000 donation to the winner’s school district.

Winners are chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals. Nominees must be K-12 teachers or school district employees.

To be considered for an award, nominees must:

• Make a positive impact in the lives of students
• Enhance their school or district’s atmosphere, culture, and pride
• Demonstrate exemplary leadership at the school and/or district level possess a proven record of professional excellence
• Show commitment to building a nurturing environment that supports learning, and
• Adhere to the highest moral and ethical standards

Westfall said Manville has made a lasting impression on all his students, who went on to base their career decisions on lessons learned from him.

"He has shown many people the correct way of treating others, which is with respect, no matter who you are. A handshake, a pat on the back and a smile goes a long way," she said.

Manville said he has always envisioned a school community that "everyone felt a part of, no matter what your role was." He also wanted to work with those that made school a better place.

"Adults that focused on making their school a great place to work every day, that then created a school that kids wanted to come to every day," he said. "I was fortunate to have colleagues at every school I worked that focused on that goal. It’s an honor to be even recognized."

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