Eight honored with District 214 Distinguished Service Awards
The Board of Education for High School District 214 last week honored eight individuals with the District's 2021-22 Distinguished Service Awards. The awards are presented annually to people - community members, parents, volunteers and others - who have made significant contributions to the District and its students.
"It is hard to even imagine the number of things that would not be available for students without the assistance of the dedicated parents and community members recognized here tonight," said District 214 Board of Education President William J. Dussling as the awards were presented at the March 17 board meeting. "The people recognized tonight have provided amazing support to the staff in our schools that make it possible to provide wonderful programs and experiences for our students."
The 2021-22 Distinguished Service Award honorees are:
Mark Dierbach, recognized for his tenure as 2021-22 president of the Bison Booster Athletic Parent Organization at Buffalo Grove High School. Dierbach navigated the Boosters through the past two challenging years, instituting new fundraisers, managing volunteer resources, connecting scattered parent organizations and focusing on increased communications with the school's 450 athletic families.
Larry Ellen, spotlighted for more than 25 years as a supporter of Prospect High School's wrestling program. Ellen began as the parent of a Prospect wrestler and team manager, but has become known as the team's biggest supporter - serving over the years as volunteer coach, scorekeeper, scoreboard operator, meet manager and technology consultant. He attends virtually all home and away meets, and has traveled to cheer the team and its members at state and holiday tournaments.
Brian Freiman, recognized for his philanthropic support of the Rolling Meadows High School community. Freiman helps run a winter coat drive for students in need; stocks a cabinet of snacks and mini-meals that students can access at school; and this past holiday season, worked with the Northwest Suburban Bar Association to provide gift cards for in-need students and their families. A practicing attorney, Freiman also is a guest speaker for RMHS law classes and helps organize courthouse field trips.
Kate Hubka, celebrated for her volunteer service to the District 214 Community Education program. After helping her immigrant parents sign up for Community Education's adult citizenship class, Hubka was moved to become a volunteer for the program - tutoring and supporting students as they prepare for the U.S. Citizenship test. In more than a year of volunteering, she has worked with 82 students, 47 of whom (so far) have become American citizens, including her father.
Joe Lehman, commended for his service as a volunteer adviser to John Hersey High School's Mock Trial/Law Team. Lehman, a Hersey alum and a former Mock Trial team member himself, has participated in virtually all team practices and competitions over the past three years. Boosted by Lehman's mentorship, Hersey reached the top eight final round bracket at the Illinois State Bar Association High School Mock Trial Invitational for the first time in 2021.
Ray Rummel, thanked for being a partner and supporter of District 214 during his 32-year career as Elk Grove Village manager. Rummel, who is retiring this year, has been instrumental in the area of youth workforce development: He assisted in securing a $500,000 grant from the village to jump-start Elk Grove High School's Advanced Manufacturing Lab, and has helped Elk Grove students secure internships, apprenticeships and even mentoring partnerships with local businesses. A parent of two EGHS graduates himself, Rummel helped guide the school through numerous construction projects and special events over the years.
Frank Schoen, honored for his full-throttle support of the District 214 Center for Career Discovery. He and his company host students in 30- and 60-hour internships, allowing them to gain authentic work experience and learn about careers in business and finance. He also shares his insights with students at College & Career Ready! Nights.
Sheri Williams, celebrated for her four years of service as Wheeling High School PTO president. During her tenure, Williams has expanded PTO membership, helped established the Bright Futures Gala, boosted teacher grants and student scholarships, and taken Teacher Appreciation festivities to the next level. She has sought ways to increase parent involvement, and has been a strong and positive advocate for WHS within the local community.