Regional Office of Education 47

2025 ROE 47 MARIGOLD AWARD WINNER - Bree Naftzger CONGRATULATIONS to Bree Naftzger from East Coloma-Nelson. Bree was nominated by Julie McCord for the Marigold Award! " I am nominating Bree Naftzger, a dedicated 5th-grade teacher, for embodying so many qualities that make an exceptional educator. Not only does she excel in the classroom, but she goes above and beyond, and helps to make our school a great place to be! As a colleague who shares band students with her, I’ve seen firsthand how Bree makes every student feel seen and heard. She has a unique ability to connect with each student, making them feel valued both academically and personally. Her classroom is a safe space where students can take risks, ask questions, and grow without fear of judgment. Her love for learning is evident not only in her own professional development but also in how she shares that passion with her students. Bree creates a dynamic, engaging classroom environment that encourages curiosity and a love for discovery. She’s always finding new ways to make learning fun and relevant, ensuring that every student is motivated to do their best. Bree’s mood-boosting energy is contagious. She has a natural positivity that lifts the spirits of everyone around her, whether it’s students, colleagues, or parents. She approaches every day with a can-do attitude and manages to turn challenges into opportunities. Her enthusiasm is palpable, and she spreads that joy to everyone she interacts with. Not only is Bree an outstanding teacher, but she also coaches Rock Falls High School Volleyball in her ""free time"" and raises a family. Her commitment to her family, students, and players, is truly inspiring. Her ability to juggle these responsibilities while still maintaining a positive, energized attitude is nothing short of remarkable. Bree is also deeply community-minded. She proudly bleeds Rock Falls Green and Black, but also East Coloma- Nelson Red and White! Bree went to school here as a student, and she takes pride in that! She sees the big picture. Whether she’s coaching her volleyball team or collaborating with other teachers, she fosters a sense of teamwork and unity, and wants the best for ALL. She instills the importance of working together and supporting one another, in the classroom and beyond. She sure makes my job as the beginning band director enjoyable, as she encourages all her students to try playing an instrument in the band! Bree is very supportive of all the different activities and sports here, even if it means that she might have to move HER schedule around a bit to accommodate. I feel very fortunate to work alongside someone who makes such a positive impact on everyone around her!"

CONGRATULATIONS to Enrica Jacobs from Lincoln Elementary. Enrica was nominated by Tanaya Cook for the Marigold Award ! Enrica knows how to build incredible bonds with students. Her energy is contagious and she is someone that students seek out just to be next to her. Enrica always has tools with her to help overwhelmed students feel better and regulate. She is authentically herself and the students love her for it.

CONGRATULATIONS to Liz Nehrkorn from Jefferson. School. Liz was nominated by Reganne Springman for the Marigold Award! I have been able to work with and watch Liz teach for the last 4 years. She does a great job helping students to do their best. Liz has helped students to grow with their math skills and become more confident in their ability. She has also helped me to grow as well to prepare to become a teacher. Liz is also always willing to help anyone that needs it.

CONGRATULATIONS to Susanna Riley from Sterling Public Schools. Susanna was nominated by Becky Haas for the Marigold Award ! "Susanna is one of the kindest and most dedicated team members we have had the privilege of working with. As the district physical therapist, she has built strong, positive relationships with numerous student teams and families. Her uplifting energy and warm demeanor are felt the moment she enters a room. Susanna consistently approaches challenges with a solution-oriented mindset and serves as an exceptional role model for new staff. She demonstrates how to effectively support students' needs through her expertise and compassionate approach. Susanna is truly a Marigold—an inspiring presence in our district—and she is most deserving of recognition as one of the very best."

CONGRATULATIONS toSue Ligons and Kim Hunter from Morrison Junior High School. They were nominated by Joe Robbins for the Marigold Award! I have decided to nominate both of these ladies at the same time since they work so closely and so well together and if you were to give one award you have to give the other one as well. Sue and Kim work mainly with our students in special education. Both of these ladies have the patience of saints and do everything to ensure their students have all of the opportunities to become better students and people. They have worked together for many years and it shows. They create safe environments where the students they work with can ask questions without being judged. The students they work with are successful and continue to reach goals and make growth year after year. They care about their students and do everything they can to help them. In addition to the work they do during hte school day, they also head up our FCA group. They meet with these students weekly and plan activities for them. I feel Sue and Kim are very deserving of this award and are a great example of how much can be accomplished when two people work together for a common goal.

CONGRATULATIONS to Elizabeth Grissinger from Unity Christian School. Elizabeth was nominated by Jessica Hollewell for the Marigold Award. "It is with great enthusiasm and admiration that I nominate Mrs. Elizabeth Grissinger for the Marigold Award. Mrs. Grissinger serves as the 2nd grade teacher at Unity Christian School and has proven herself to be an exceptional educator who goes above and beyond to support her students academically, socially, and spiritually. While her classroom is her second home, Mrs. Grissinger's influence extends far beyond her 2nd grade students. She positively impacts all elementary students, from kindergarten through 6th grade, and enriches the learning environment of the entire school. Her passion for teaching and dedication to student success are evident in everything she does. Mrs. Grissinger takes the time to connect with all of her colleagues, fostering a strong sense of community within the school. Her ability to collaborate with teachers and students across all grade levels is a testament to her leadership and commitment to the holistic development of every child. One of her standout initiatives this year was leading the elementary STEM project for the 100th day of school. Through this project, students unknowingly gained valuable lessons in science, technology, engineering, and math while having fun. Mrs. Grissinger's creativity, coupled with her educational expertise, enabled her to design an activity that was both engaging and educational, showcasing her ability to make learning enjoyable and impactful. Her nurturing, supportive, and encouraging nature is felt by all who interact with her. Mrs. Grissinger consistently boosts the morale of her students and colleagues alike, creating an atmosphere of positivity and collaboration. Her influence reaches beyond the elementary school, as junior high and high school teachers and students also enjoy connecting with and assisting her in the various activities she plans. In all her work, Mrs. Grissinger exemplifies the spirit of excellence and dedication that this award seeks to recognize. Her enthusiasm, professionalism, and love for learning inspire everyone she encounters, making her a cherished and respected member of the Unity Christian School community. I wholeheartedly recommend Mrs. Elizabeth Grissinger for this award. She is a remarkable educator who truly deserves this recognition for her unwavering commitment to the success and well-being of her students."

CONGRATULATIONS to Kim Kobbeman from Montmorency. School . Kim was nominated by Darci Paisley for the Marigold Award! Montmorency is very lucky to have Kim Kobbeman as our Physical Education teacher. Kim is the type of teacher that will go above and beyond. We have a former student who was diagnosed with cancer. Kim organized our entire staff donating money to clear this student's Amazon wish list, as well as driving to Sycamore and purchasing gift cards to give to the family. Kim cares about her students, current and past. Kim has a positive outlook on life, and is supportive of not only students but the staff as well. I have had a rough year personally, and Kim always makes it a point to check on me and see how I am doing. We couldn't ask for a better staff member, and friend. Please consider awarding Kim the Marigold Award, so everyone can know how amazing she is.

CONGRATULATIONS to Julie McCord from Montmorency Grade School. Julie was nominated by Darci Paisley for the Marigold Award! Julie McCord is a true reflection of a deserving Marigold Award recipient. Julie is caring, passionate about her students and her subject, and goes above and beyond. Her infectious smile and laugh brighten even the gloomiest days. Julie is the band teacher for both East Coloma and Montmorency, and gives her all at both schools. She listens to her students, taking their suggestions for songs for Jam Band and concerts, and makes band fun and enjoyable. I truly love having Julie McCord in our school, as she is one of the most positive people I have ever met. Even if she isn't chosen to win the Marigold Award, our school wins every day because we are lucky enough to have her.

CONGRATULATIONS to Call Miles from Jefferson Elementary School. Cali was nominated by Marchet Harts for the Marigold Award. I am so proud to nominate our amazing preschool speech teacher, Cali Miles, for the Marigold Award. Cali truly embodies everything a marigold represents—she brings warmth, joy, and growth wherever she goes. Cali serves over 140 students across Jefferson and our private preschool programs, and she does it all with heart, passion, and a smile. The students absolutely adore her. When my students see her, their faces light up and they can’t wait to run over and give her a big hug. She brings so much energy and creativity to her work—whether it’s through fun literacy lessons, engaging movement and exercise activities, exciting science experiments, or even hands-on cooking lessons. Cali makes learning fun and meaningful, and you can truly see the difference she makes. I’ve witnessed firsthand how her speech services have helped students grow in their language development and articulation. It’s incredible to see the progress they make with her support. Cali is not only an incredible educator, but also a true team player. She’s a steady support system for all of us in the preschool program at Jefferson, and we are so blessed to have her. Thank you, Cali, for everything you do. You are a true Marigold!"

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CONGRATULATIONS to Tara Yanes from Montmorency School. Tara was nominated by Mrs. Megan Dillon and Mr. Alex Moore for the Marigold Award! It is with great admiration and enthusiasm that we nominate Ms. Yanes for the prestigious Marigold Award. This award celebrates educators who not only embrace a love of learning but also generously share that passion with others. Ms. Yanes embodies these qualities wholeheartedly, making her an exceptional candidate for this honor. Ms. Yanes creates a classroom environment that radiates warmth, encouragement, and a true sense of belonging. Her support for her students extends beyond academics; she believes in their potential and instills in them the confidence to achieve greatness. Through encouragement, she helps each student recognize their unique strengths, fostering a lifelong love of learning. What truly sets Ms. Yanes apart is her exceptional commitment to giving students voice and choice in their education. She consistently designs learning experiences that empower students to make meaningful decisions about their academic journey. Ms. Yanes ensures students are active participants in shaping their educational experience. Her dedication to service extends well beyond the classroom. As a veteran, Ms. Yanes brings the same commitment, discipline, and leadership that characterized her service to her teaching practice. Ms. Yanes is deeply committed to building a strong and inclusive community. She actively seeks opportunities to bring people together, by organizing engaging learning activities and mentoring fellow educators. She understands that education is not just about imparting knowledge but about creating connections that empower and uplift everyone. She is a true marigold—a teacher who cultivates growth, inspires joy, and elevates those around her. For all these reasons and more, we wholeheartedly believe that Ms. Yanes is the perfect recipient of the Marigold Award. She exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated, inspiring, and community-minded educator. Her impact extends beyond the classroom, and her influence will continue to shape the lives of those who learn from her. Sincerely, Mrs. Megan Dillon and Mr. Alex Moore"

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.