Seventeen educators, administrators and support staff working at schools in and near the Tri-Cities will learn next month whether they are Kane County's Educator of the Year.
The recipient of this award and others – Elementary Educator of the Year, Middle School Educator of the Year, High School Educator of the Year, Administrative Educator of the Year, Associate Educator of the Year, Support Staff Award, and Regional Superintendents Award – will be announced May 11 at the 37th annual Kane County Educator of the Year Awards Banquet at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St. in St. Charles.
Nominees include the following individuals; their position and years in the profession are also noted:
• Bernard Michels, head custodian at Batavia High School, five years
• Candi Katko, second-grade teacher at J.B. Nelson Elementary School in Batavia, 26 years
• Susan Kathleen Arch, middle school counselor/eighth-grade language arts teacher at Sam Rotolo Middle School, 34 years
• Vernon Alexander, assistant director of the Fox Valley Career Center in Maple Park, 20 years
• Cassidy Ellen Adams, speech language pathologist at Harter Middle School in Sugar Grove, 12 years
• Brian Michael Kowalski, music teacher at Harter Middle School in Sugar Grove, nine years
• Javier F. Martinez, social studies teacher at Kaneland High School in Maple Park, five years
• Nancy Lynn Meisenger, literacy specialist at John Shields Elementary School in Sugar Grove, 11 years
• Sue Ellen Thompson, special education para-professional at John Shields Elementary School in Sugar Grove, 12 years
• Judy D. Donner, transition teacher at Mades-Johnstone Center in St. Charles, 22 years
• Lori A. Drumtra, social studies lead teacher at St. Charles East High School, 28 years
• Jesus Monroy, head custodian at St. Charles East High School, 18 years
• Amy Ann Litke, special education biology teacher at St. Charles North High School, 24 years
• Kimberly S. Zupec, principal of St. Charles North High School, 36.5 years
• Beverly H. Taylor, reading resource teacher at Wasco Elementary School in Campton Hills, 37 years
• Terrance T. Bleau, principal of Geneva Middle School South, 15 years
• Diane Lynne Dargis, special education instructional assistant at Western Avenue Elementary School in Geneva, 13 years
The nominees are seen as having the respect and admiration of students, parents and coworkers. They play active and useful roles in their communities and also in the schools, often distinguishing themselves as leaders. All nominees receive special recognition as distinguished educators.
Special recognition will also be given at the banquet to those retiring this year.
Information is available at www.kaneroe.org.
