Megan Hammond, Elise Heiser, Jesse Reitz, Parker Stillwell and Jason Scott – McHenry County Honor Band – Kevin Shelton asked the Board to join with him in commending Megan Hammond, Elise Heiser, Jesse Reitz, Parker Stillwell and Jason Scott for being selected for the McHenry County Honor Band. He noted that it has been a stellar year for the music department and that the five honored students are the best of the best. Although all of the students could not attend the meeting due to play practice, Board President Tom Low presented certificates and district flyers to Elise Heiser and Parker Stillwell who were present.

State of the District Presentation – I asked the Board to join with me in commending everyone that was involved in the State of the District presentation that took place on January 26th including Dave Lawson, Derek Straight, Rich Schisler and R.J. Gravel for doing an outstanding job with their presentations. Graphics teacher, Zim and his students Christopher Kowalski, Dylan Letchinger, Brian McKay, Derek Schwanebeck and Liam Wohlberg were commended for the great job they did with the flyers and programs along with Family and Consumer Science teacher Lauren Ankele for making the banner containing the District lighthouse logo that was used that evening. Lastly, the Board commended Jamie Uthe and Jason Blumenthal for their technical assistance during the presentation.

JHS All-School Breakdown – Kevin Shelton asked the Board to join with him in commending Rick Bailey, Molly Peters and Judy Krueger for their extra efforts, which ensured the success of the recent all-school breakdown. He also asked that the Board commend staff members, Rob Eastland, James Toomey, Jen Weber, Lauren Ankele, David Reis, Ashley Havener, Shannon Del Re, Aris Johnson, Adam Bronars, Dave McKenna, Melissa Kolba, Ashley Weltler and Lora Jacobs, for volunteering to be leaders, as well as the many students who served as leaders during the event.

JHS Turnabout Dance – The Board joined with Kevin Shelton in commending the High School staff members, Post Prom Committee members and students involved in the organization of the successful Turnabout Week activities and Dance.

PTO – Father/Daughter Dance – I asked the Board to join with me in commending the PTO for their time and effort in organizing the Father/Daughter Dance, which was held on January 27th. I noted that there was a very large turnout for the dance and that it was a very fun evening for our students and their fathers.

Junior High Solo/Ensemble Contest – The Board joined with me in commending Sue Childress and Joyce Beernink for the excellent job they did in organizing and hosting the Solo/Ensemble Contest that was held on February 4th. The Board also joined me in commending all of our students who competed for their efforts in preparing for the contest.

Junior High Play – Tom Sawyer – I asked the Board to join with me in commending directors, Kim Reinhard and Andy Reinhard, and the students involved with the successful Junior High play, Tom Sawyer. I noted to the Board that it was great to see so many of our Junior High students get involved with the drama program, which helps give them a foundation which can then be expanded on once they move on to High School.

IHSA Team Academic Achievement Award – Fall 2011 – After reporting to the Board that nine out of ten JHS fall sports teams received the IHSA Academic Achievement Team Award, Kevin Shelton asked them to join with him in commending the athletes, their coaches and parents for their efforts involved with this fine accomplishment.

Kevin Shelton – Illinois High School Principal of the Year – I reported to the Board that we were notified that Kevin Shelton was selected by the Illinois Principals Association as the Illinois High School Principal of the Year. I noted that, once we receive more information from the state regarding the award, we would send out a press release and put an announcement on the website. I also expressed how extremely proud the District is to have two of our administrators receive Principal of the Year awards, as Derek Straight was named 2010-11 Elementary Principal of the Year. In fact, according to the IPA, they do not remember another district in the state having two of their administrators receive the award. The Board congratulated and commended Kevin on his fine accomplishment.

7th Grade Girls Basketball Team – Karen Baird asked the Board to join with her in commending the 7th Grade Girls Basketball Team for their excellent efforts in the recent tournament at Emmons School for which they received a first place trophy. She noted that the team finished the day with five wins and no losses and that the girls played extremely well and were great representatives of Johnsburg Junior High School.