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District 21 honors Steckling grant recipients and student achievements
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Summary
Board members recognized the Donna Rae Steckling educators grant recipients, district spelling‑bee winners and students selected for Junior ILMEA All‑State; recipients described classroom uses ranging from field trips to instructional materials.
The Board of Education recognized local teachers and students on Thursday, highlighting the Donna Rae Steckling educators grant and several recent student accomplishments.
Linda Collins of the Steckling family described the memorial grant’s mission and noted that, over five years, the family committee reviewed 59 applications and awarded about $15,000 total. Cass Young presented slides showing 11 2025 recipients and explained award uses (slide notes listed purchase ranges between roughly $100 and $500 per teacher this round). Maria Hodson, a recipient, said the grant paid for a sixth‑grade trip to the Elgin Symphony for London students and called the experience “a wonderful opportunity” for children who had never seen a professional orchestra.
The board also recognized District 21’s spelling‑bee results: first place Ethan (Cooper, eighth grade), second place Advic (Tarkington, fifth grade) and third place Abby Leonard (London, seventh grade). Administrators noted that Ethan advanced to regional competition and could proceed to the All Cook County and national spelling bees depending on outcomes.
Jennifer Stache, choir director at Cooper Middle School, described three students invited to the Junior Illinois Music Educators Association All‑State event in Peoria and said they spent intensive rehearsal time and returned with new skills to share locally.
Superintendent Dr. Connolly and board members congratulated recipients and emphasized the value of community philanthropy and extracurricular opportunities in building district programs and student experience.
