[recent-posts][post-deets][wspy_social_share] The Plano School District is bustling with excitement as it prepares to host its 9th annual Salute to Service awards ceremony, scheduled for Monday, May 6th at 6 PM in the Plano High School auditorium. This prestigious event celebrates the remarkable achievements and dedicated service of its educators and staff, spotlighting the profound impact they have on the community and student lives. This year, the ceremony will not only honor retirees but also highlight the distinguished recipients of the Plano Premier Awards and the Illinois State Board of Education’s “Those Who Excel” awards.
Amidst the backdrop of applause and accolades, the Plano Premier Awards are set to take center stage, recognizing the outstanding dedication and performance of over 100 nominated staff members and teams. From the nurturing hands of PK-6 teachers like Nicole Kulbartz and Rikki Rodriguez to the innovative strategies of the 7-12 educators like John Alesch and Cara Van Dyck, the awards capture the educational spirit and commitment that define Plano schools. Special acknowledgment is reserved for those in early career stages, educational support, and specialized teams who have shown exceptional skill and passion in their respective fields.
The event will also showcase the laureates of the “Those Who Excel” awards, an honor that elevates the recipients’ contributions to education to a state-wide spotlight. Among them, Joe Kampf’s innovative approaches in Technology & Engineering at Plano High School and Luke Baughman’s impactful leadership at Emily G Johns School have merited them accolades under the Meritorious Service category. Their achievements, alongside those of dedicated teams and community volunteers like the Centennial School Special Education Team and Kathy Benoit, illustrate the profound influence these professionals have on the educational landscape.
A key part of the ceremony is dedicated to service recognition, where educators and staff celebrating milestone years will receive pins and certificates in acknowledgment of their enduring commitment. From the 10-year service awardees like Angelica Nicola and Brittany Pezold to those marking a quarter century like Kari Gerakaris and Heidi Heiman, each pin is a token of gratitude for their years of enriching student lives.
Retirement recognitions will also be a poignant feature of the evening, marking the end of illustrious careers for several esteemed members of the district. Notable retirees such as Brenda Albright, who has been a secretary at Centennial School since 2001, and Alan Boutin, a bus driver since 2012, will be honored for their years of dedicated service. Their retirements mark not only the conclusion of significant careers but also the beginning of new chapters.
Following the formal ceremony, the community is invited to a dessert reception where attendees can mingle, share stories, and celebrate the collective achievements of the honorees. It’s an opportunity for students, both past and present, along with family and friends, to extend personal congratulations and enjoy the sweet taste of communal success.
As the Plano School District gathers to celebrate these remarkable educators and their service, the Salute to Service awards ceremony stands as a testament to the power of education and the individuals who deliver it with such dedication. It’s a night where the community not only honors its heroes but also reaffirms its commitment to the continuing mission of teaching and learning.
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