District 58 Teacher Named  Castle Educator of the Year

Castle Educator of Year 2025 Award Ceremony DG58 attendees

Castle Automotive Group in Downers Grove recognized the dedication and impact of outstanding educators in Downers Grove School Districts 58 and 99 at its first annual Educator of the Year awards. The event honored teachers and staff in any role who go above and beyond to positively influence students, colleagues, and the broader school community.

“Castle Automotive Group is proud to support the outstanding educators of Downers Grove School Districts 99 and 58. We strive to be more than dealerships in the communities we serve, and through our CastleCares initiatives, we remain committed to recognizing the educators who are shaping the future of our children,” said Hanna Marshall, Corporate Marketing Manager for Castle Automotive Group. “We look forward to building on this partnership and continuing our support of local educators.”

This year, Mrs. Ashley Honn, Teacher Librarian at Henry Puffer Elementary School in District 58, received the prestigious Castle Educator of the Year Award, celebrating her exceptional commitment to inspiring and elevating the educational experience every day. Mrs. Honn shared, “Being nominated alongside such exceptional teachers from District 58 and District 99 made this recognition especially meaningful. I feel incredibly grateful to be a part of the Downers Grove community and to serve Henry Puffer students as a teacher librarian every day!”

Honorable mentions from District 58, who also exemplify dedication, passion, and excellence in service to students and schools, include Ms. Sandy Leff, 5th Grade Teacher at Indian Trail Elementary, and Ms. Maria Ramirez, Custodian at Whittier Elementary.

 

Full list of honored educators from District 58:

Castle Educator of the Year:  
Ashley Honn, Henry Puffer, Teacher Librarian
 
Honorable Mention:  
Maria Ramirez, Whittier, School Custodian
Sandy Leff, Indian Trail, 5th Grade Teacher
 
Nominated Educators:
Kerri Bartkowiak, Whittier, Resource Teacher
Julie Batkiewicz, Henry Puffer, 6th Grade Teacher
Drew Biederman, Kingsley Elementary, 3rd Grade Teacher
Carrie Edwards, Henry Puffer, 2nd Grade Teacher
Kristina Hopkins, Indian Trail, Kindergarten Teacher
Sarah Kapust, Herrick, 7th Grade English Language Arts Teacher
Andrea Laama, Fairmount, School Secretary
Alyssa Manzo, Indian Trail, 4th Grade Teacher