Retired D202 Technology Director, Village Trustee Wins Esteemed Award

PLAINFIELD, IL — Two years after retiring from Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202, former Technology Director Margie Bonuchi was awarded the prestigious Walter G. and Juanita F. Niehus Award, officials announced Wednesday.

Bonuchi, who has served as a trustee on the Village Board since 2023, retired from District 202 in 2022 after leading the technology department for 23 years.

The Foundation for Excellence presented the Niehus Award to Bonuchi at the Board of Education regular meeting on May 29. The foundation administers the award on behalf of the namesake family.

As the 2023 recipient of the Niehus Award, Bonuchi was praised by one nomination for "understanding that a strong and healthy school system creates a good community that benefits families in and out of the classroom."

During her more than two decades with the district, Bonuchi's accomplishments included helping outfit 20 new schools with technology; creating and running the annual band boosters craft show, which raised almost a quarter of a million dollars for the band programs at all four District 202 high schools; and saving the district money with grant money for telecommunications and internet infrastructure.

"Whether it is collecting food for the Lions Club, working as a coordinator at the Daybreak Shelter, serving as a village trustee, working on the Plainfield Village Planning Commission, the long-standing goal of service to Plainfield and the families that make it great to live here always sat at the core of her mission since moving here all those years ago," read one nomination, per a District 202 news release.

The Niehus Award, established in 1986, honors the legacies of former District 202 Superintendent Walter Niehus and his wife, respected former teacher Juanita Niehus. The honor is given to both certified and non-certified staff and support members who have shown an extraordinary commitment to students, parents and employees.

According to Superintendent of Schools Glenn Wood, the Niehus Award is the most significant accolade a staff member can receive.

"I feel very honored to be receiving the Niehus Award," Bonuchi said in a statement. "I love my volunteer work, especially with the school district where we affect the lives of students and teachers."

The winner of the 2024 award will be honored during the June 26 Board of Education meeting.