McHenry County Educators of the Year named

Promoting the premise that “great schools make great communities,” the McHenry County Regional Office of Education recently honored some of the greats of in the education profession.

Honoring outstanding teachers and other school district employees is the aim of the Educator of the Year awards, which began three years ago when Diana Hartmann was appointed regional superintendent by the McHenry County Board.

[ Woodstock teacher credits peers for her Educator of the Year award ]

This year’s event was held at Hickory Hall in Crystal Lake on May 11, the finale of Teacher Appreciation Week. The Community Foundation of McHenry County awards $1,000 to the Educator of the Year and sponsored the tickets for all nominees, while each category winner receive $250 from the Regional Office of Education. Monetary awards can be used in their classroom, school or district any way they choose. Great schools make great communities.

“We are fortunate in McHenry County to have so many wonderful district employees,” Hartmann said in a release.

Anyone can nominate an educator or district employee, including students, colleagues, parents and other community members.

This year’s winners are:

• Preschool Teacher: Kristine Princer, Greenwood Elementary, Woodstock
• Elementary Teacher: Jessica Weglarz, Leggee Elementary, Huntley
• Middle School Teacher: Kayla Forsythe, Marlowe Middle School, Lake in the Hills
• High School Teacher: Lyndra Bastian, Woodstock High School
• Administrator: Mark Altmayer, chief financial officer, Huntley School District 158
• Student Support Para: Maria Schuring, Cary-Grove High School
• Student Support Certified: Christine Laird, Chesak Elementary, Lake in the Hills
• Early Career Teacher: Georgia Wicker, Dean Street Elementary, Woodstock
• Educator of the Year: Shanon Laidig, Creekside Middle School, Woodstock