Morris nurse Tracy Steffes named Exelon Everyday Hero

MORRIS – The second of seven Exelon Everyday Heroes was named Wednesday, and the award went to Morris Community High School nurse Tracy Steffes.

Grundy County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Christina Van Yperen and Exelon Dresden Generating Station site communications manager Sara Peters surprised Steffes at the school Wednesday with a check and Grundy Chamber gift certificates.

Peters, Van Yperen, District 101 Superintendent Craig Ortiz, MCHS Assistant Principal Jeremiah Farrell and Principal Michael Gourley were waiting in Farrell’s office. Farrell called Steffes and said there was a situation that required her presence. Steffes entered Farrell’s office with her medical bag expecting a problem, but she was shocked to see the crowd waiting for her.

“I am quite surprised,” Steffes said after receiving her award and posing for some pictures with Van Yperen, Peters and Ortiz, who nominated her for the award. “I had no idea what was going on.

“I was just doing my job like all the other school nurses out there, as well as the front-line workers and so many other deserving people. It has been hard for everyone.”

In his nomination, Ortiz said, “In the normal routine of her job, it is a very demanding position, and she has done an exceptional job for the last 27 years. This year, however, presented new challenges we never could have anticipated, and Tracy has stepped up in ways that go above and beyond her normal duties. She has devoted countless hours beyond the workday to contact tracing, meeting with local health officials and trying to keep up with ever-changing guidance that governs schools.

“She has been criticized for decisions she has had to make, which are required by her job and no fault of her own. Amid all of this, I asked her if she would be willing to coordinate a series of vaccine clinics for all of the schools in Grundy County. She did not hesitate in saying yes to my request. Before the last few educator clinics were relocated to Shabbona Middle School, we hosted them at MCHS, and they were a huge success, thanks in large part to Tracy’s time and effort. She lined up volunteers to help give the vaccines, adapted to last-minute changes in the process and handled everything with professionalism. She did all of this while still completing her regular job duties and training a new employee. We are truly fortunate to have Tracy on our staff, especially during this crazy year.”

Peters presented Steffes with a ceremonial check for $5,000. The actual award was $4,000 in the form of a check from Exelon and $1,000 in Grundy County Chamber gift certificates, redeemable at any of the Chamber’s 500-plus members.

“I am honored to present you with this award,” Peters said to Steffes. “What you have done goes above and beyond. The parents of your students now have peace of mind knowing that you are helping to navigate the way through this pandemic. As a parent myself, I can’t tell you how much that means.”

After Steffes received her award, Ortiz said, “You are so deserving of this. You need to know how much you are appreciated.”

“I appreciate that people recognized me,” Steffes said. “But like I said, I was just doing my job. It’s a team effort here at the school. We are all working hard to keep the kids in school and to keep them safe and healthy.”

There still is time to nominate an everyday hero. Exelon and the Grundy Chamber will accept nominations through the end of April. To nominate someone, visit grundychamber.com/grundy-county-everyday-heroes.

“The program is still ongoing,” Van Yperen said. “As we continue to receive nominations, we will decide on the awards. People can nominate someone through the end of the month.”