Plano School District 88 was well-represented among the state of Illinois 2015-16 Those Who Excel education awards program.

The Illinois State Board of Education gave each of the district’s four nominees Awards of Recognition at its Those Who Excel education awards program on Oct. 17 in Bloomington-Normal.

Every year, the ISBE sponsors the Those Who Excel education awards program to honor individuals who have made exceptional contributions to schools throughout the state.

The school district announced that the following Plano staff members were recognized as 2015-16 recipients of the Those Who Excel education awards:

• Tim Campbell, president of the Board of Education: Merit Award, 2015 School Board Member.

“Described as a dedicated volunteer, Tim Campbell is constantly seeking ways to support our students, staff and their families,” the district said in a news release. “As a board member, Tim fully supports all areas of school growth and is regularly communicating with staff, students, and the community to make informed decisions to improve Plano CUSD#88. He is quick to take the lead and facilitate proper communication when tough issues need to be addressed. His influence can be seen all over the district through his numerous renovations such as the teacher’s lounge at Centennial and the stadium bleacher renovation, the soccer press/box storage and the creation of the new trophy case in the athletic wing at Plano High School.”

• Sue Gerardot, district nurse: Recognition Award, 2015 Support Personnel (Licensed).

“Known for her clear stance as an advocate for students, Sue Gerardot regularly collaborates with staff to make sure all students with health needs can participate in the academic programs offered at Plano High School,” the district said in the news release. “Dedicated to providing students with high quality care, Sue seeks ways to improve the attendance of all Plano 88 students by building positive relationships with local physicians and care providers in an effort to support students and their families beyond the school day. As a professional, she regularly shares information in a timely manner with parents and staff and is quick to hold people accountable when it comes to following policy and protocol to ensure the safety of our students.”

• Teri Haws, athletic secretary, Plano High School: Recognition Award, 2015 Service Personnel (Unlicensed).

“For the past 15 years, Teri Haws has served as the Athletic Secretary at Plano High School, but her journey and dedication to Plano began long before,” the district said in the news release. “Teri began her journey as a student of the Plano Community Unit School District. Her efforts and presence have long been felt in both our schools and community. As the Athletic Director’s secretary, Teri refuses to stick to just her ‘duties as assigned.’ On any given day, you can see Teri starting programs, coaching athletes, managing coaches, directing umpires, firing up school spirit or simply bringing a sense of that old Plano Pride back to our community. When asked by your colleagues ‘why’ she does what she does, she simply and matter-of-factly and selflessly says “for the kids”! The following description sums it up very nicely: If a door needs to be unlocked, a gym opened, coaches called, awards engraved, frosties made, assemblies planned, uniforms washed and found or directions to a stadium… simply call Teri.”

• Kindergarten Team PLC, P.H. Miller School: Recognition Award, 2015 Team. Members include: Lana Briggs, Jamie Burcheid, Angela Cornelissen, Alicia Hansen, Rachel Headrick-Wells, Heidi Heiman, Stephanie Ho, Elsa Jimenez, Nicole Kulbartz, Brittany Pezold and Stephanie White.

“Described as always being at the forefront, the Kindergarten Team has had a powerful influence on the school climate,” the district said in the news release. “For many students and parents, their kindergarten experience has been so positive that students feel excited as they enter first grade and parents feel more confident, as they are able to reflect on the wonderful memories they made just the year before. As a team, they have been described as a ‘role model’ for their ability to effectively collaborate with all members of the group. Last year, they took the initiative to create ‘I Can’ statements for every progress report and quarterly report in order to ensure that student progress was being monitored and goals were being made or adjusted. They are applauded for their contagious energy and never fall short of inspirational, making them a true definition of ‘team.’”