Student Excellence Foundation Honors D200 Educators

In the past year, teachers, students, and parents in District 200 have risen to the many extraordinary challenges of teaching, learning, and working together during the season of COVID-19. Educators throughout the District developed new, innovative ways to teach from a distance as well as in an all new in-person classroom environment, all the while working to create a positive, enriching environment for their students.

Each year, the Student Excellence Foundation honors educators for their outstanding service to District 200. Two awardees are chosen from each level: elementary, middle, and high school. This year we have an additional honoree from the Virtual Academy. Nominations are submitted to the Foundation by District 200 students, parents/guardians, alumni, staff, and members of the community. Recipients are then chosen in a blind-selection process by a panel of three retired District 200 principals.

The Golden Star Award is given annually to honor distinguished retired District 200 educators for their exemplary service. This year’s recipient was chosen by past Golden Star awardees Chuck Baker, Ralph Heatherington, Marianne Russell, Jackie DeClute, and Margaret Grace.

The Student Excellence Foundation of Wheaton Warrenville District 200 is proud to announce the recipients of this year’s Distinguished Educator Awards and Golden Star Award:

2021 Distinguished Educator Award Recipients:

Jen Wecker, Emerson Elementary School

Kimberly Kern, Whittier Elementary School

Julie Michalak, Monroe Middle School

Joanne Klein, Edison Middle School

Erin Moodie, Wheaton North High School

Gloria Latta, Wheaton Warrenville South High School

Laura Bellanca, Virtual Academy

Recipient of the 2021 Golden Star Award:

Andrew J. Samide, former Wheaton North High School mathematics teacher. Mr. Samide has also taught at College of DuPage and North Central College, as well as authored multiple journal articles and co-authored a geometry textbook.

In the absence of an in-person award ceremony this year, the Student Excellence Foundation has produced a short video featuring each of the Distinguished Educator and Golden Star awardees. To celebrate each of our outstanding honorees, please go to the Student Excellence Foundation’s YouTube channel and click on the “2021 Celebrate Our Stars” video. Congratulations educators!

Founded in 1992 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN # 36-3786044), the Foundation serves Wheaton-Warrenville District 200's 1,800 educators and nearly 13,000 students in 13 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 2 high schools, an early childhood center, and a transition center, and is dependent upon parent and community volunteers. Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.