District 47 Celebrates Winter 2025 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, 10 winners were announced out of 42 nominations. District 47 would also like to thank all the businesses that have chosen to sponsor our Elevate program this year. Nine 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.

Kristina Green, 1st Grade Teacher, West

“Mrs. Green goes above and beyond for all of her students. She appreciates her students for their unique personalities and strengths. As a parent, nothing means more to me than a teacher who knows your child and can challenge them to grow. She encourages my son to learn more about subjects that he finds interesting, and she allows him the freedom to write about them. He has discovered a love for writing this year."

Sarah Morgan, 2nd Grade Dual Language Teacher, Coventry

“The most impressive thing about Miss Morgan's teaching is how she fosters an environment of social and emotional awareness and well-being for all her students. They have daily check-ins on their thoughts and feelings and are given tools to work hard, solve problems creatively, and persevere through hard times. My daughter has grown leaps and bounds already in second grade, and I know it is because of the incredible impact Miss Morgan has had on her life. Sarah Morgan elevates teaching to more than just a profession but to a life-enhancing calling to meet her students where they're at and come alongside them as they grow in second grade.” 

Ryan Schaefer, Assistant Principal, Coventry

“Mr. Dr. Schaefer, as the kids say it, really makes Coventry go! He has helped sustain our positive school climate, making Coventry an excellent place for students to learn. His knowledge and expertise in literacy help to engage all stakeholders. Our most recent reading night was attended by over 300 people. This is done through his ability to empower others. When he is not helping move our school in terms of literacy, he is developing and collaborating positive relationships with the students. Kindergarten recess is a place where you will find cheers of Mr. Dr. Schaefer and if he is not out there, they request his presence. Thank you, Mr. Dr. Schaefer, for all that you do for Coventry.” 

Megan Mahaffy, Psychologist, Indian Prairie

“Megan always has a "can do" attitude and is willing to take on tasks to support the team and to support students. Megan has been instrumental in supporting some of our students with the most significant emotional challenges. They respond so well to her prompting. Megan has not only completed her role this year, but took on the role of other staff members during their absences as well. This was truly a challenge and Megan volunteered to complete these extra tasks. Megan has also personally helped support families during the holidays by reaching out to family and friends to donate thousands of dollars worth of toys and clothes to provide to families. Megan organized times with families to pick up these items and spent hours before and after school wrapping the gifts. Megan is a wonderful human being and an asset to Indian Prairie. We are so fortunate to have her.” 

Rebecca Vedder, EC Teacher, Husmann

"Becky approaches each day with compassion, grace, and optimism. Her role as Husmann's EC teacher only scratches the surface regarding all that she does. Becky is instrumental in organizing and facilitating the Veteran's Day assembly for Husmann students and staff. In addition, Becky serves as a key member of our PBIS Tier 2-3 team. Becky also attended all of last year's Deep Equity trainings and is a big proponent of continuously helping us refine our practices at Husmann.  Becky, along with a colleague, developed our Cougar Closet in order to make clothing items available to any student who may be in need. She is constantly reflecting, thinking, and planning for ways to improve. Her can-do attitude, her willingness to jump in whenever and wherever is needed, and her optimism are just a few things that make Becky such an asset to our team. We are extremely appreciative of all that Becky brings to the team and does for students and staff at Husmann!"

Gina Majewski, Assistant Principal, Bernotas

“Gina just really devotes herself to her role as an assistant principal. She is present daily in the hallways, for staff, and with the students. The fact she is bilingual in Spanish allows staff and students whose first language is not English, to have inclusiveness. The way she speaks to the students and staff in the building is supportive and understanding. The way she understands when staff and students become frustrated with things outside of their control that can't be changed but still tries to find solutions that can be alternatives in a calm demeanor shows great modeling for others. Gina takes time to listen to the problem, she is patient, and she allows the students and staff to find their own solutions. She is an extraordinary leader.”

Jamie Stortz, Occupational Therapist, Bernotas, Woods Creek, Hannah Beardsley

“Jamie has a unique ability to connect with students on a personal level, inspiring growth. She reflects on her daily instruction with students and is always seeking out ways to collaborate with others. Jamie keeps the best interests of the students in mind at all times while maintaining a professional demeanor and attitude. Through countless other efforts, Jamie has profoundly shaped the culture of D47 for the better. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and their ability to inspire those around them make her an invaluable asset to our community.”

Nelle Conley, Music Teacher, Canterbury 

“It is not an easy task to put into words the tremendous impact that her service as an educator has on all Canterbury students. Mrs. Conley is a skilled musician, and she instills her love for the Arts in our entire school community. We can all still remember the tears of joy of a newcomer student when he watched a vibrant performance that had been entirely designed by Mrs. Conley, in which she had included a song in Spanish. In the midst of a challenging life-changing experience, that student felt included and respected and was able to feel joy for a live show, perhaps for the first time in his life. Mrs. Conley, you should know that what that and many students won’t forget is the way you made them feel as they learned to love music in your class."

Mercedes Knapp, Bilingual Interventionist, Canterbury 

“It is not always easy to challenge students, especially those that struggle with a certain subject. This does not deter Mrs. Knapp from elevating them to their potential. When she takes students from my class, I know they are getting her undivided attention and support. I have had students who have come to Mrs. Knapp only knowing about half of the letter sounds. When they finish the reading program with Mrs. Knapp, they leave with skills that allow them to become independent readers. I am blown away by the dedication Mercedes puts into her reading instruction. I see Mercedes advocate for her students and herself every week. I am so proud to be a colleague of Mercedes.”

Amy Fournier, Assistant Principal, Canterbury 

“When students ask what her role is, it is difficult to describe all the multiple things she does to ensure our school is a safe, happy, and efficient place. Our students know that Mrs. Fournier’s office is a welcoming room, where rather than walking into with fear, it is rather an opportunity. There is going to be a learning outcome from that gathering. The list of Mrs. Fournier’s tasks and responsibilities that she gracefully accomplishes is too long to list. It always amazes me how much she gives to make sure our Canterbury community and school events to boost that sense of community take place, and how much she cares for our property and grounds, especially with our garden and pantry throughout the year."