Elmhurst SD 205 honors state champions, sectional coach and district spotlights
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Summary
The Elmhurst SD 205 Board recognized multiple student state champions and coaches (cross country, tennis, swimming, football), and heard spotlight presentations from Madison Early Childhood Center and Jackson Elementary on early-childhood learning environments and ELA instruction.
The Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 Board of Education used its Dec. 16 meeting to recognize student and staff achievements and to showcase instructional work in the district.
The board read proclamations and offered public congratulations to several state-level champions: Carlyn Janowski was recognized as the IHSA Class 3A individual girls cross-country state champion (proclaimed 16:10 for the 3-mile course), and Caroline “CJ” Cohen was honored as the 2025 IHSA Class 2A girls tennis singles state champion after a 31'2 season and a three-set championship match. York teams honored included the girls cross-country team (third place, Class 3A) and the girls 200 medley relay swimming team (third place). Coaches recognized included Morgan Megan Jensen, named IHSA Girls Swim Sectional Coach of the Year, and Don Gelsimino, named IHSA Boys Football Coach of the Year after a state championship-game appearance.
Speakers highlighted athlete resilience and program continuity. One speaker noted, "Carlin is just a sophomore, and I know that we have a lot to see for the next two years," while the tennis presenter said, "We are proud to honor CJ and congratulate her on winning York's first ever individual state tennis title." Proclamations credited athletes and staff for dedication, teamwork and for bringing recognition to York High School and Elmhurst SD 205.
The meeting also included two school-spotlight presentations. Dr. Susan Conrad, principal of Madison Early Childhood Center, described the center's learning-environment work (consistent social-emotional practices, developmental screenings and family engagement) and cited program counts (approximately 50'70 early-intervention evaluations and 100'125 developmental screenings annually). Krista Rajanen, principal at Jackson Elementary, described an ELA priority focused on Wit & Wisdom curriculum and Socratic seminars across K'5, and noted a thriving Battle of the Books program with 55 student participants.
The recognitions and spotlights were followed by routine business and fiscal items earlier on the agenda.