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On May 19, 2026, District 58 proudly celebrated its annual Distinguished Service Awards (DSA) ceremony, recognizing exceptional teachers and staff members who have made a meaningful and lasting impact on students, schools, and the District 58 community. Each year of this long-standing tradition, which is hosted by the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58, one winner is selected in the Teacher category and one in the Staff (non-teaching position) category. This year saw a record-breaking 68 teachers and staff members nominated for this prestigious award.
The ceremony brought together nominees, students, families, colleagues, administrators, and community supporters to honor individuals whose dedication, compassion, leadership, and service help make District 58 a strong and supportive learning community. Guests were welcomed by Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell and Education Foundation President Janet Alikpala.
One of the most meaningful parts of the ceremony was the sharing of nomination excerpts, during which nominators highlighted the extraordinary ways honorees positively influence students, families, and colleagues. The heartfelt stories and words of appreciation reflected the deep impact each nominee has made within their school communities. Smiles and tears of happiness were shared throughout the evening as colleagues and families celebrated the honorees’ impact. District 58 is especially grateful for the nominators who took the time to share their words of appreciation with their nominees.
The ceremony also featured a special Nominee Spotlight Video celebrating all nominees, as well as surprise visit videos revealing this year’s Distinguished Service Award winners to their school communities. The 2026 Distinguished Service Award winners, El Sierra Principal Jason Lynde and Grove Preschool Teacher Kendall Buege, were formally recognized for their outstanding contributions.
District 58 extends its sincere congratulations to all Distinguished Service Award nominees and recipients, and gratitude for the care, dedication, and service they bring to our schools and community each day.
2026 Distinguished Service Award Nominees
- Shqipe Ametii, Lester
- Audrey Barc, Pierce Downer
- Kerri Bartkowiak, Whittier
- Andrew Biederman, Kingsley
- María Blanco, El Sierra
- Kevin Bowser, Pierce Downer
- Catherine Boyce, Pierce Downer
- Kendall Buege, Grove Preschool
- Caitlin Choinski, Highland
- Zachary Craft, Highland
- Matthew D’Angelo, Hillcrest
- Peggy Delaney, Grove Preschool
- Susan Dillon, Grove Preschool
- Jessica Downes, Kingsley
- Jessica Downs, Hillcrest
- Theresa Farrell, Herrick
- Madelyn Fiene, Herrick
- Amy Freitag, Lester
- Christina Gamboa, El Sierra
- Kinzie Geist, Herrick
- Christy Gergits, Whittier
- Alison Glennon, Fairmount
- Georgann Grecco, Herrick
- Donna Haidle, Grove Preschool
- Colleen Hannigan, Kingsley
- Ashley Herald, Kingsley
- Ashley Honn, Henry Puffer
- Sandi Hudecek, Highland
- Jessica Jung, Hillcrest
- Lora Kozerski, Belle Aire
- Amy Koziowski, Fairmount
- Michael Krugman, Whittier
- Andrew Kupisch, Henry Puffer
- Terri La Via, Hillcrest
- Christine LaPoint, Hillcrest
- Matthew Leiser, Lester
- Kristen Leonard, Lester
- Jason Lynde, El Sierra
- Cheryl Lyons, Whittier
- Julia MacKerell, Henry Puffer
- Katie Main, Fairmount
- Alyssa Manzo, Indian Trail
- Kevin McDermott, Belle Aire
- Amanda Miller, Indian Trail
- Louise Modine, Whittier
- Katelyn Morgan, O’Neill
- Kristen Nagle, Highland
- Laura Novotny, Lester
- Heather O’Donnell, Pierce Downer
- Katherine Padilla, Highland
- Sarah Pinkus, O’Neill
- Katie Porter, Whittier
- Stephanie Potter, O’Neill
- Cheryl Prescott, Grove Preschool
- Carissa Redpath, Hillcrest
- Janet Reynolds, Henry Puffer
- Nicole Ring, Lester
- Rebecca Rizzio, Kingsley
- Jessica Satler, Hillcrest
- Jessica Sima, El Sierra
- Tasha Squires, O’Neill
- Tony Stampfl, Highland
- Melissa Swallows, Fairmount
- Nichole Sziembarski, Kingsley
- Laura Velinske, Hillcrest
- Jonathan Vidovic, Herrick
- Craig Young, Kingsley
- Elizabeth Zawadzki, Hillcrest