District 47 Celebrates Winter 2026 Elevate Award Winners

District 47's Elevate program recognizes employees who uphold and exemplify the district's mission, vision, and core values and who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of students, schools, and the community. Nominees and winners are announced three times a year - fall, winter, and spring. For the Winter Elevate Award, we received 35 nominations. The Elevate award committee reviewed these nominations and chose 8 winners. District 47 would also like to thank all the businesses that have chosen to sponsor our Elevate program this year. Seven local sponsors award the winners with a gift card.

Elevate Award recipients will be recognized at the February Board of Education meeting. Please take a moment to read more about our winners with a quote taken from their Elevate nomination.

Janelle Chaix, ASPIRE Paraprofessional, South

“I am a 3rd grader at South Elementary Aspire program, and one of my paras is Mrs. Chaix. Mrs.  Chaix takes extra time to greet us when arriving at the best school ever. Not only does she care that we learn about the world, but most importantly, she teaches me that I can be anyone in this world and that being kind and respecting others is the key to building our world a better place.“

Kit Hodapp, 1st Grade Teacher, South

“Mrs. Hodapp consistently communicates with families through ParentSquare to update us on classroom learning and activities. We appreciate all the extra time she spends, as these posts have really helped our family stay connected and support our daughter’s learning at home. Mrs. Hodapp’s dedication to her students extends beyond the classroom. In the fall, she took the time to attend one of our daughters’ weekend soccer games. This meant a lot and demonstrated her commitment to supporting her students.”

Laura Jenkins, Special Education Paraprofessional, Canterbury

“Watching Mrs. Jenkins interact with students is a reminder of what true compassion in education looks like. She makes every child feel seen, safe, and capable of success. It’s not just students who benefit from her warmth—Mrs. Jenkins has a way of lifting up everyone around her. She makes staff members feel valued and supported, reminding us all of the importance of teamwork and respect."

Nicole Nielsen, Instructional Coach, North

“Nicole is the person everyone turns to, whether it’s for problem-solving, mentorship, or simply a reassuring presence on a tough day. She wears many hats and never seeks recognition, but her influence is felt in every corner of our building. She lifts others up, strengthens our community, and truly helps District 47 Grow, Empower, and Thrive.”

Melissa Prusha, Social Worker, South

“Melissa goes above and beyond to ensure that learning is meaningful and accessible for all. She models empathy and collaboration, encourages students to see the best in themselves and others, and fosters a culture of belonging that reflects the district’s vision of developing lifelong learners who contribute positively to their community.”

Julie Sromek, 3rd Grade Teacher, North

“From the moment my daughter entered her classroom, it was clear that Mrs. Sromek has a rare gift: she nourishes each child’s developmental needs while recognizing and honoring them as the unique individuals they are. She goes to great lengths to understand her students deeply, meeting them exactly where they are and help them grow academically, socially, and emotionally.”

Michelle Villicana, 3rd Grade Teacher, Canterbury

“Michelle’s classroom feels like a family where every child feels safe, loved, and respected. Students know they can take risks, ask questions, and be themselves. This strong sense of belonging helps build confidence and supports both academic success and personal growth. As Michelle prepares to retire this year, I know that her presence will be deeply missed.“

Stephen Whitmer, Dean of Students, Bernotas

“Stephen models District 47’s core values through his commitment to collaboration and two-way communication. He prioritizes open, respectful dialogue with families, ensuring that communication is not only informative but also reciprocal. By actively listening to family perspectives and partnering with them in student support, Stephen builds trust and strengthens connections between home and school, creating a shared foundation for student success.”