MADISON EARNS SECOND RIBBON
Madison School in Hinsdale was recognized today by U.S. Department of Education as a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School.
It is the second time the Community Consolidated Elementary District 181 school has been a recipient of the honor. It is the highest award given by the U.S. Department of Education.
“I am so proud to call Madison home and constantly amazed and inspired by our students, staff and school community, Principal Kim Rutan said. “It is truly a team effort. The level of dedication that I see every day is incredible and allows us to learn and grow as a building with a continued focus on innovation, critical thinking, and citizenship.”
Madison is one of 362 total schools that are being recognized. Madison was named a Blue Ribbon School earlier in 2009 and has earned the rare distinction of being named a second time. The National Blue Ribbon Schools award honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students perform at very high levels or where significant improvements are being made in students’ levels of achievement.
Madison was nominated as an Exemplary High Performing School, meaning it is among the state’s highest performing schools and also has very high performance in smaller subgroups of students.
Superintendent Hector Garcia said the district is honored by Madison’s distinction.
“Madison is a dynamic learning environment for our students,” Garcia said. “Students are engaged, parents are involved and supportive and our teachers continuously strive for academic excellence. We are proud of all of our high quality schools.”
Madison will be honored at a recognition ceremony Nov. 14-15 in Washington D.C.
“We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives,” U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos said in a video message to the honorees. “As a National Blue Ribbon School, your school demonstrates what is possible when committed educators hold all students and staff to high standards and create vibrant, innovative cultures of teaching and learning.”
Madison joins other schools in the district — Clarendon Hills Middle School, Hinsdale Middle School, Monroe, Oak and The Lane – as Blue Ribbon National Schools. In a newer process, the state selects schools and does not seek applications for the honor.
MROZEK NAMED TREASURER
Ernie Mrozek of Hinsdale was installed as treasurer for the DuPage Foundation at its annual meeting Sept. 11. Mrozek has served on the board since 2009.
Established in 1986 to raise the quality of life throughout DuPage County, the foundation helps area residents and organizations realize their unique charitable goals, providing impactful support to nonprofits and fostering key partnerships to address critical issues affecting DuPage County.
AUTUMN AFFAIR GALA A SUCCESS
The Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Foundation raised a record $393,000 at its 15th Annual Autumn Affair Sept. 7 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago.
More than 330 people attended the gala, which is the foundation’s largest fundraiser of the year and supports Elmhurst Hospital programs and services that directly impact patients.
A portion of the proceeds from the event will support Elmhurst Hospital’s digital, patient-centered technology advancements, which align with Edward-Elmhurst Health’s “Safe, seamless and personal” initiative.
Founded in 1980, the EMH Foundation offers many giving opportunities and annual special events designed to support the hospital’s programs and facilities, including the Autumn Affair, Hope Lives Here Luncheon, Chef Fest, Reindeer Route Housewalk and Love Lights program.
Photos appear online at https://www.facebook.com/thehinsdalean.
HC FUNDRAISERS HAD ONE GOAL
Hinsdale Central raised almost $8,700 during its all school fundraiser last year to benefit the Just1mike Foundation, which seeks to raise awareness and increase the survival rates of teens and young adults who suffer sudden cardiac arrest through screenings, education and training. This foundation honors the life and passions of Michael Brindley, a former Central student.
Major fundraisers last year were the powderpuff football game during Homecoming week and the Mr. Hinsdale competition. Various clubs and teams held other smaller fundraisers throughout the year to contribute to the total.
CENTRAL SENIORS NAMED scholars
Five seniors at Hinsdale Central High School were named scholars in the National Hispanic Recognition Program.
Catherine Collins, Lily Hart, Lorenzo Jennings, Marcos Lopez and Will Rivera scored in the top 2.5 percent among Hispanic and Latino PSAT/NMSQT test-takers in the region to earn inclusion in the program.
COLLEGE STUDENTS perform SERVICE
Lucia Battaglia, Claire DeWitt, Ryder Guido, Grace Heimke, Tate Renner and Adele Ruby, all of Hinsdale, were among 2,000 freshman at Belmont University who spent an afternoon volunteering as part of the Towering Traditions orientation program.
Students traveled to 50 locations across the greater Nashville area for the SERVE event, which also allows students to immerse themselves in their new hometown.
