Regional Office of Education 47

CONGRATULATIONS to Olivia Cain from Jefferson Elementary. Olivia was nominated by Jody DeSchepper for the Marigold Award. Olivia Cain ia an awesome Teacher. She has a really big class this year and she supports all her kids. She has treats for doing good, Birthday cups filled with surprises. Olivia helps all her kids and doesn’t leave anyone out. She deserves this.

CONGRATULATIONS to Kim Kobbeman from Montmorency School District 145. Kim was nominated by Lisa Henry for the Marigold Award. "I am excited to nominate Mrs. Kim Kobbeman, our amazing Kindergarten through eighth grade P.E. teacher at Montmorency School, for the 2025 Jen Banks Marigold Award. Mrs. Kobbeman's warm personality and unwavering commitment to her students make her one of the most beloved educators in our school. Her enthusiasm for physical activity and fitness inspires students to embrace healthy and active lifestyles. With her kind-hearted nature, she creates a nurturing environment where every student feels encouraged to shine—not just in her classes but in all aspects of their lives. Mrs. Kobbeman's patience and emphasis on sportsmanship promotes positive behavior, and she adjusts her approach to meet the unique needs and abilities of each student, ensuring that everyone feels included and supported. Mrs. Kobbeman goes the extra mile, dedicating her free time to help students who need a little more guidance with reading. She motivates all her students to reach their full potential, guiding them toward success with a gentle and caring touch. Her infectious enthusiasm is evident in her engaging P.E. classes, and it's easy to see why students adore her. She skillfully adjusts her lessons so that every student can experience a sense of accomplishment, celebrating their achievements wholeheartedly, no matter their athletic background. Mrs. Kobbeman enjoys attending our school’s sporting events and tries to attend at least one of each grade level sporting events for all school athletics. Mrs. Kobbeman is also a true leader within our school community. She actively contributes to our PBIS committee and even volunteers to travel out of town to get our favorite popcorn for student rewards. Additionally, she has generously supported the Student Council by volunteering her time outside of school putting together Candy Grams, decorating for school dances, and taking the initiative to lead school events, like our Reading Night and Leader in Me Lighthouse activities. Her kindness and encouragement extend to her colleagues as well, showcasing the qualities of a strong, supportive, and admirable leader. We feel incredibly fortunate to have Mrs. Kobbeman as a vital part of our educational community.

CONGRATULATIONS to Reganne Springman from Jefferson Elementary. Reganne was nominated by Jody DeSchepper for the Marigold Award. Reganne is an awesome person. She helps out where ever is needed. She is a Math title aide and is getting her teaching degree, but also helps me out at bus time. I appreciate her.

CONGRATULATIONS to Mrs. Ports from Jefferson. School. Mrs. Ports was nominated by Isabelle Sosa. She always is so positive and such a fun teacher. She is always kind and her students love her!

CONGRATULATIONS to Michelle Brown from Jefferson Elementary. Michelle was nominated Jen Lareau for the Marigold Award. Michelle comes to school everyday with a positive attitude that radiates onto others. She is not only a positive influence on her students, but to her co-workers as well. She is a constant support to everyone around her and is a role model to all teachers that know her. She encourages me to become a better teacher and is so knowledgeable about the profession of teaching. Any student is lucky to have her and I am so lucky to have her not only as an amazing co-worker and friend, but awesome mentor as well!

CONGRATULATIONS to Ally Everett from Jefferson Elementary School . Ally was nominated by Kaley Downie for the Marigold Award. Ally is just an amazing human being, period. She shows love & happiness to all of her students! She treats them all the same and like a mother would treat her own child. She is always thinking of others and has a smile on her face at all times. She is such a great asset to this school!

PFAE (Preschool for All) The Regional Office of Education #47 just recently opened 2 full day classrooms at Open Sesame in Dixon! We will be adding two more classrooms soon at the YMCA in Dixon! What is PFAE? Preschool for ALL children! We want to make sure we are accommodating the needs in our area! At school they will be following a play based learning curriculum. This means they will be playing a majority of the time but with a learning structure! This will allow the children to grow their development through engaging playful activities, promoting cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills, Mission Statement: The ROE 47 Early Learning Academy partners with families and the community to nurture young minds and foster a love of learning through high-quality early childhood education, empowering children to become confident, curious, and capable learners.

CONGRATULATIONS to Alisha Hollowell from Jefferson Elementary School. Alisha was nominated for the Marigold Award by Bari Kuebel. "In every community, there are individuals whose presence radiates warmth, encouragement, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of others. These individuals nurture not only the people around them but also the collective spirit of their environment, creating a ripple effect of kindness, knowledge, and support. Among such individuals, few stand out more than those who possess a deep love for learning and overall success. One such person is Mrs. Alisha Hollowell, a dedicated educator and community leader whose impact transcends the walls of Jefferson School. Alisha’s nurturing nature is evident in everything she does. As an elementary administrator, she greets each student with a warm smile every day at morning drop-off. She believes that learning begins with emotional security, and as such, she creates an environment where every student feels safe, valued, and heard. She nurtures not just their academic growth but also their confidence, ensuring that each child knows they are capable and supported at our school. Alisha has an interesting role at Jefferson, where she needs to find the balance between an unwavering support system and being a disciplinarian, and she does it flawlessly. The reason she works so well as the disciplinarian is because she has fostered a relationship with all of our students first. She holds our students to a high standard, and in turn, many of our students have learned so many valuable lessons this year. Not only does she have strong relationships with our students, she’s in constant communication with our families as well. She spearheads our attendance mission of +90% attendance rate, and she reaches out to families who are/are not making our goals. She’s an example for families to know that we are on their side and want what’s best for their child. Beyond the school, Alisha extends her supportive nature to the broader community. She is an active member of the Jefferson PTO and reaches out to families who are in need of outside resources. Along with being an advocate for our broader community, her ability to offer encouragement is boundless, whether it be to a struggling student, an overwhelmed parent, or a fellow educator in need of motivation. What sets Alisha apart is her ability to boost the moods of those around her. Her infectious enthusiasm for education and life itself creates an atmosphere of positivity. She has a knack for recognizing when someone needs uplifting, offering words of affirmation or a small gesture of kindness to brighten their day. For me personally, she has helped me through some pretty tough times this year. She takes the time to listen openly and honestly and offer a hug. She is so much more than a coworker. Whether it’s celebrating a student’s improvement, offering a reassuring word to a nervous parent, her presence alone is enough to reinvigorate those around her. Mrs. Hollowell is more than just our dean of students—she is a mentor and a beacon of encouragement and support. Through her nurturing nature, unwavering encouragement, mood-boosting presence, and dedication to the collective growth of those around her, she embodies the essence of a true leader. The world needs more people like Alisha—those who not only uplift others but also ignite the spark of knowledge and compassion in every life they touch. "

CONGRATULATIONS to Katie VanDeWostine from Lincoln Elementary School. Katie was nominated for the Marigold Award by Kassidy Kenney and Kaley Behrens. Katie is always supportive of her students and goes above and beyond to make school a safe space for them. She is also supportive and mood-boosting to her co-workers. She is the teacher everyone goes to to vent, get advice, or support. She is a great teacher and friend to everyone.

CONGRATULATIONS to Emily Minor from Lincoln Elementary School. Emily was nominated by Julie Bridges for the Marigold Award! "When thinking of someone who embodies the spirit of the Marigold—someone who brings light, support, and positivity to those around them—Emily Minor is the first person who comes to mind. She is a shining example of what it means to be selfless, supportive, and genuinely kind. Emily is the kind of teacher and teammate who consistently puts others before herself. Whether it’s staying late to help a colleague, stepping in to support a struggling student, or offering a listening ear on a tough day, Emily does it all without hesitation or expectation of recognition. Her heart for others is evident in everything she does. She is always willing to lend a helping hand, not because she has to, but because she truly wants to. Emily’s support is never performative—it’s authentic, thoughtful, and quietly powerful. She lifts up those around her with her encouraging words, calming presence, and tireless commitment to making our school a better place. As a team player, Emily is unmatched. She brings people together, celebrates others’ strengths, and helps foster a sense of community wherever she goes. You’ll often find her volunteering to take on extra tasks, sharing resources freely, or cheering others on with genuine enthusiasm. Above all, Emily Minor is an amazing individual and educator. Her students adore her, not just because she’s an outstanding teacher, but because she makes them feel seen, heard, and valued. She leads with compassion and teaches with heart. Her positive impact reaches far beyond the walls of her classroom, and we are all better for knowing her. It is with great admiration and gratitude that I nominate Emily Minor for the Jen Banks Marigold Award. She is the very definition of a marigold—nurturing, bright, and full of life. We are so lucky to have her."

CONGRATULATIONS to Christy Buck from Riverdale Preschool Center! Christy was nominated by Catherine Workman for the Marigold Award! Christy Buck has been a very dedicated paraprofessional at Riverdale Preschool for a number of years. Christy has always gone above and beyond for the classrooms she has worked in, such as bringing in creative new activities and ideas to engage and educate students. Christy has been a valuable asset to our school, and has shown a particular strength for dealing with challenging behaviors with extraordinary patience and understanding. This year, the long-time teacher Christy had been paired with, took a position away from our school, and mid year, Christy was paired with our newest teacher. Christy faced with change with grace and excitement. The classroom that Christy is currently in, has a combination of challenging behaviors, which have significantly improved, with credit to Christy's behavior management skills and her ability to connect with all students. Christy is very loved by the students in her care and we are incredibly grateful to have her as invaluable team member at Riverdale!

CONGRATULATIONS to Arleth Diaz from Riverdale Preschool . Arleth was nominated by Taydreana Durden for the M arigold Award! Ms. Arleth is a very positive and upbeat leader. She is a great teacher and the students are always excited to be around her. She exudes an excellent and extraordinary energy and supports her students. She is kind and pleasant to have as coworker and the students are lucky to have someone who teaches them values, morals, life skills, social skills. She demonstrates patience and resilience everyday and it’s inspiring to everyone who ever meets her.

CONGRATULATIONS to Abril Vazquez Tapia from Washington Elementary School in Sterling . Abril was nominated by Erin Sester for the Marigold Award. Abril is an absolutely incredible addition to our Washington staff! Abril joined our school team this year! From day one, she has brought warmth, kindness, and professionalism to our school community. Her caring nature makes every student feel comfortable and supported, and her attention to health and wellness is truly appreciated by staff, students, and parents alike. Abril has not only provided exceptional care but has also fostered a welcoming environment that helps everyone feel safe and cared for. We are so grateful for the positive impact she’s already made, and we look forward to all the amazing things she will continue to do for our school!

CONGRATULATIONS to Rachel Thomaschefsky, from Franklin & Washington Schools. Rachel was nominated for the Marigold Award by Margaret Nickrent! "Miss Thomaschefsky is truly a gift to all her students and our staff. She has a passion for music and is most certainly in her element among our students sharing her immense talent. Our students are excited to see her coming into their classrooms with her creative ideas to expand their knowledge and appreciation of music. Her classes are filled with energy and joy as she supports each and every student she encounters. This is Miss Thomaschefsky's first year in Sterling Public Schools and you would assume she has known our students their whole lives. How lucky our children are to have her as their music teacher! On a personal note, one of the best parts of my day is walking past one of her classes and listening to students who are captivated in her lessons. Miss Thomaschefsky is more than deserving of this nomination for a Marigold Award."

CONGRATULATIONS to Jill Hoyle, from Washington School. Jill was nominated by Abby Jones for the Marigold Award! Jill Hoyle has always been a stand out educator and caring person. She taught both of my kids when they were in 5th grade and now I've had a chance to work closely with her on the Specials Team as she is teaching STEM. She is the most kind and gracious person I know; working with her is a joy. I've never heard her complain or say an unkind word. She sees the good in her students and colleagues and goes the extra mile to help them be successful. We shared a room at Franklin last year and she brought me so much encouragement on a daily basis. She still does, whether it's in the hallway or in a meeting. She has mentored 2 teachers in the last two years and she takes that role very seriously, offering guidance, support, and encouragement. Her caring and nurturing spirit cause students and staff to flourish.

CONGRATULATIONS to Erin Sester from Washington Elementary School! Erin was nominated by Emily Stephenitch for the Marigold Award! "There isn’t a day that goes by when Erin Sester isn’t smiling, supporting, or connecting joyfully with students and staff. She brings an unmatched sense of fun and community to Washington Elementary—whether she's orchestrating activities like Pie in the Face, leading monthly student celebrations, donning a superhero cape, playing hide and seek with students, or taking a moment to laugh at a student’s joke or story. Erin has a special gift for lifting spirits—popping popcorn or surprising staff with donuts exactly when they need a pick-me-up. But Erin is more than just a source of joy—she is fiercely loyal, deeply supportive, and unwaveringly student-centered in her role as Dean of Students. There hasn’t been a problem she couldn’t solve with compassion and an eye on what’s best for our kids. Every single day, without hesitation, Erin goes above and beyond to support every member of our school community. She is humble. She is kind. She is joyful. She is a true marigold in our school—a powerful presence who helps everyone around her grow and thrive. Washington Elementary is better because of her."

CONGRATULATIONS to Martha Henry from Washington Elementary School in Sterling . Martha was nominated by Erin Sester for the Marigold Award ! "We are incredibly fortunate to have Martha Henry as part of our school family! She consistently goes above and beyond for her students, always finding creative ways to make learning exciting and engaging. Her passion for teaching shines through in every lesson, and she has a unique ability to make even the most challenging topics fun and accessible. Mrs. Henry has an incredible knack for making each student feel special, encouraging them to believe in their abilities and reach for their fullest potential. Her classroom is a place where students feel safe to take risks, ask questions, and express themselves without fear of judgment. Her dedication to fostering a positive, inclusive environment ensures that every child feels supported, respected, and empowered. Beyond just academic excellence, she instills important life lessons in her students, such as kindness, perseverance, and the value of hard work. Mrs. Henry is not only an amazing educator, but she is also deeply caring, kind, and compassionate. She always takes the time to support and uplift her students, making them feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether it’s providing words of encouragement, or simply listening when a student needs to talk, she is always there for them. Her ability to connect with each child on a personal level makes a profound impact, and we can see her students growing into confident, compassionate individuals because of her influence. Her unwavering dedication and genuine love for her students is truly inspiring, and we feel incredibly lucky to have her as part of our school community. "

CONGRATULATIONS to Ellen Johnson from Washington Elementary District 5! Ellen was nominated by Peggy Craft for the Marigold Award! I have been in awe watching the way that Miss J engages with her students. She is patient and kind and lets each individual student feel seen and validated. She meets students where they are and always keeps their best interest in mind. I strive to be at her level someday.

CONGRATULATIONS to Kayleigh Jones from East Coloma Nelson School! Kayleigh was nominated for the Marigold Award by Christine Murphy . "I would like to nominate Kayleigh Jones for this recognition, as she embodies what it means to be a truly exceptional educator. Not only do I have the privilege of working alongside her, but she is also my son's fourth grade teacher this year, and I have witnessed first hand the impact she has on her students-both academically and personally. Kayleigh creates an environment that is nurturing, supportive and encouraging, ensuring that every student feels valued and capable. She goes beyond just teaching, she fosters confidence, inspires curiosity, and makes learning a fun and exciting journey. She makes every child feel seen and heard. She constantly seeks new, creative ways to engage students, making lessons meaningful and memorable. Rather than simply delivering instruction, she actively involves her students in the learning process. More importantly, she shares that love of learning with her colleagues, always willing to collaborate, share resources, and inspire those around her. This school year has been a great experience for my son, filled with growth, learning, and fun. "

CONGRATULATIONS to Amy Rosengren from St. Andrew Catholic School. Amy was nominated by Katie Blakeslee for the Marigold Award! "I would like to nominate Mrs. Amy Rosengren for the Marigold award for her exceptional dedication to her students and the mission of the Church. Amy exemplifies what it means to be a servant leader in our Catholic school community. She goes above and beyond in every aspect of her role, always stepping in to help in any way possible, whenever needed. Her unwavering commitment to making all students feel loved, valued, and safe is evident in everything she does. Whether it’s through her teaching, her support, or her kindness, she creates an environment where students can thrive academically and spiritually. Her deep faith shines through her actions, and she leads by example, embodying the values of the Church every day. In addition to her dedication to her students, Mrs. Rosengren also plays an instrumental role in supporting her fellow teachers. She often takes on leadership responsibilities and helps guide others in their professional development. Her positive influence extends beyond the classroom, creating a collaborative and nurturing atmosphere throughout the school. For all of these reasons, I believe Mrs. Rosengren is an outstanding candidate for this Marigold nomination. Her dedication, love for her students, and commitment to the mission of the Church make her an invaluable asset to our school community."