Illinois State Board of Education Honors
Those Who Excel - 2011

It is with great pleasure the Dixon Public Schools announce that five of their staff members have been honored through the “Those Who Excel” education awards program sponsored by the Illinois State Board of Education.
Mrs. Betty Leslie was honored with an Award of Recognition in the category of Educational Service Personnel.  Mrs. Leslie, a secretary at Lincoln School for the past seven years, was nominated by the staff at the school.  She is an exceptional employee and an even better person, who always goes the extra mile.  She can always be counted upon for two things, the correct answer and a smile.
Mrs. Barbara Hermes was honored with an Award of Merit in the category of Student Support Personnel.  Mrs. Hermes retired at the end of the 2010-11 school year after 30 years of service in the Dixon Public School District.  During that time she taught Special Education, Language Arts, and finished her teaching career as a High School Guidance Counselor.  Mrs. Hermes has set a standard of excellence that will be difficult to surpass.  Her care and concern for each student she came into contact with will not be forgotten.
Mrs. Kim Stanley was honored with an Award of Merit in the category of Student Support Personnel.  Mrs. Stanley is a Speech Language Therapist at Washington School.  Mrs. Stanley has over 23 years of experience and willingly shares her experiences and knowledge with others.  One of her colleagues said this about Mrs. Stanley, “simply put, she is willing to do whatever is necessary for students to succeed.”  Many parents and her peers would agree with that statement.
Mrs. Kimberly Bork was honored with an Award of Merit in the category of Classroom Teacher.  Mrs. Bork is a 4th Grade Teacher at Jefferson School.  She has over 16 years of teaching experience.  She is a National Board Certified Teacher that is constantly pushing herself to learn more about her craft.  By example she is a teacher leader, whose willingly collaborates with all staff.  It has been said that her motto should be, “the student first,” as that concept is readily evident to all that come in contact with her.
Mr. Dan Rick was honored with an Award of Excellence, the high award of this program, in the category of School Administration.  Mr. Rick is the Principal at Washington School.  While the grade levels at Washington School are kindergarten and 1st grade, his knowledge and experience go well beyond those grades.  He has been a principal for the last 14 years, the last 6 of those years at Washington School. Many educators talk about doing what is best for students, Mr. Rick’s actions back up that statement. One does not have to be around him long not only to see that fact, but to believe it as well.  He brings people together and also brings out their best, all for the betterment of the children.  Washington School is an outstanding elementary building due in a large part to Mr. Rick’s influence. 
The brief paragraphs in no way do justice to the abilities and characteristics of these five individuals.  They do however give a sample of how parents and peers view them.  These five award winners represent the many, many hard working and dedicated staff members of the Dixon Public Schools.