Park Ridge CCSD 64 honors Young Authors, All‑State musician and state-recognized educators

At its April 16 meeting, the Park Ridge CCSD 64 Board of Education recognized student and staff achievements, including winners of the district Young Authors contest and the district’s first All‑State musician.

Board members introduced presenter Megan Kefir, who said the district received more than 200 Young Authors submissions from grades K–8. The district selection process sends one author per grade per building to the district level; from that group the district selects a single winner for each grade. Kefir named the district winners and offered each a certificate and returned manuscript; seven of the winners will attend the statewide Young Authors conference on Saturday, April 25, in Tinley Park.

The board also recognized Lincoln Middle School student Ellie Hughes as the district’s first All‑State musician, noting she will perform with other top singers at the Illinois Music Education Association conference. In addition, the superintendent highlighted three educators who recently received state-level recognition: Quinn Galindo (psychologist at Field School), Jenny Capushka (Field music teacher), and Angela Poenteus (SLC teacher at Washington), and announced educator appreciation events the week of May 4.

The recognitions were presented as ceremonial items early in the meeting and were followed by commendations from board members. Board members also described a new parent 'coffee chat' at Carpenter for families of students with IEPs and noted upcoming calendar and workshop scheduling discussions.

What’s next: winners will attend the statewide Young Authors conference April 25; educator appreciation activities are scheduled for the week of May 4.