Distinguished Service Awards

Distinguished Service Award honorees are District 58 staff members who are nominated by parents or their peers for their outstanding service and dedication to the school community and who go above and beyond in their work with students.

Watch a short video about the 2023 honorees.

Applications for the 2023 award are now closed

Do you know a District 58 employee who goes above and beyond? Please consider nominating that individual for a Distinguished Service Award! The Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58 annually hosts the free Distinguished Service Awards program to recognize the remarkable contributions of District 58 employees. View DSA frequently asked questions and the DSA nomination form below.

View DSA Frequently Asked Questions.

View the 2023 DSA Nomination Form.

Any District 58 staff member, parent, student or community member may nominate a District 58 employee for a Distinguished Service Award. The nominee should be an individual who:

  • Consistently performs above and beyond the scope of job duties
  • Positively affects children in a significant manner
  • Has a sustained dedication to the education of children
  • Cares about the child as a whole person
  • Has earned the respect of his/her peers and superiors
  • Serves as a good role model to other district employees
2023 DSA Winner

The 2023 DSA winners were Joan Gard (O'Neill) and Lauren Wilson (Henry Puffer).

Pictured left to right are Mia Churma, DSA Chair, Joan Gard and Lauren Wilson, 2023 DSA winners, and Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell.

Nominees must work at least 20 hours per week. They must have worked at least one full school year at District 58.

The Education Foundation will accept nominations now through Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Please share or email completed nomination forms to District58DSA@gmail.com or mail them to: 

DSA Chair Mia Churma
c/o District 58 Office
2300 Warrenville Road, Suite 200NE
Downers Grove, IL 60515

If you choose to mail your application, please send it early to ensure its timely arrival. Late nominations will not be considered.

The Education Foundation will surprise the two 2022-23 DSA winners at school on Monday, May 15, 2023. After school on May 15, the Foundation will hold the 2022-23 Distinguished Service Award Ceremony at O’Neill Middle School. 

Learn more information about the Education Foundation at www.58foundation.net.