In 2005, Judy Zubak was an at-home mom with a daughter in kindergarten at Serena Hills School in Chicago Heights. She would go in once a week as a PTO volunteer to help with ice cream treats. Then Principal Lynn Westerlund suggested Zubak fill a part-time position as a paraprofessional[Read More…]
Tag: School retirees 2024
Retirees 2024: Ingrid Vann finishes 29-year career at Serena Hills
After 29 years, teacher Ingrid Vann is leaving Serena Hills School in Chicago Heights for the last time this month. “I have so many friends and teacher colleagues. It will be so bittersweet. That I will miss,” she said. “I’m unsure what life without Serena will look like. My whole[Read More…]
Retirees 2024: District 153 fostered leadership roles for Mary Kay Gardiner
Retiring Churchill School Assistant Principal Mary Kay Gardiner said she was propelled into leadership roles because of the support and encouragement she received in Homewood District 153 the past 31 years. “From day one as a young classroom teacher to now being at the end of my career, there is[Read More…]
Retirees 2024: Nurse coordinator spent 23 years caring for kids
Kathy Knawa wore a nurse’s uniform for 18 years before transitioning into a new specialty area — school nursing. Knawa is retiring after 23 years as coordinator of District 161 nursing services. “I worked with children, and I love education. I love teaching and just being able to teach children[Read More…]
Retirees 2024: Fun, hard work go hand-in-hand for Willow School principal
Melissa Lawson can explain to you how as principal she took on a variety of roles, but she stresses that every action was done for the betterment of the students at Homewood’s Willow School. In June, Lawson’s 35-year career in education will end. She’s retiring as principal of Willow School[Read More…]
Retirees 2024: Second career was a gem for Jeanette Nichols
For Jeanette Nichols, a second career as a teacher proved to be very rewarding. After 28 years in the classroom, 20 with District 153, she is retiring. Nichols’ bachelor’s degree was in art history, which she took into a job in retail, working as a manager in a department store[Read More…]