Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club Nearly Doubles Education Grants from Previous Years: Awards 17 Deserving Downers Grove Area Teachers
DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS – Over the last week, the Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club (DGJWC) Education Committee surprised 17 deserving Downers Grove teachers with education grants. The teachers and winners range from District 58, T99 and District 99.
In the past, the DGJWC offered their Teacher Grants in the spring and presented them during Teacher Appreciation Week. However, back in 2019 they decided to shift the grant timeline for the funds to go toward having an immediate effect on the teachers and their current student population, rather than waiting until the new school year.
DGJWC Education Committee Co-Chair, Ami Johanson said, “We were so excited that such an incredible group of educators applied to our grant this year. In fact, so many educators applied that the club decided to increase the amount of grants awarded from 9 to 17!” Johanson continued, “Through a combination of internal funds and generous donations from our club members, we were able to increase funds and award almost double the amount of grants we gave out the previous year.”
Allison McNulty, Co-Chair of the DGJWC Education Committee added, “It is always an amazing and special experience to review the applications. We are so pleased to be able to honor and celebrate our 17 recipients this year. The grant recipients have such wonderful and creative ideas to apply their grants towards that will make such a great impact on our students.”
The winning DGJWC applicants for the December 2021 Teacher Grants are listed below: Elizabeth Lukes (Pierce Downer): 3D Printer for Art CAD classes
Ashley Austin (Henry Puffer): Social Emotional Learning Resources
Elizabeth Moravec (Lester/Belle Aire/Henry Puffer/Pierce Downer): Art materials for printmaking and monoprints
Jennifer Johnson (O'Neill Middle School): Science Club materials
Stephanie Henrikson (Downers Grove South High School): Physical Education-Dance Class materials
Trevor Parker (Downers Grove South High School): Seminar resources and in-person programming / guest speakers
Jennifer Hodkowski (Whittier): STEM Club Engineering kits
Katie Porter (Whittier): Resource Room materials for math, reading and writing support Nicole VanMilligan (Kingsley): Reading intervention kits
Georgi Beck (Kingsley): Art Club materials
Jamie Krier (Kingsley): Non-fiction books for Library
Joanne Smith (T99): Iron Press for microbusiness packaging
Meghan Beard (Lester): Math Mania Club games
Mary Loversky (El Sierra): Dual Language books
Kelly Wyatt (El Sierra): Social Emotional Learning books and resources
Andrea Leith (Downers Grove North): Physical Education, Dance shoes and materials Candace Adeszko (Grove Preschool): Classroom fine motor skills kits
The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club will be issuing another call for District 58, T99 & District 99 teacher grant applications in the fall and looks forward to supporting the visions and professional development interests of additional teachers within the District.
About Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club: The Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club is a non partisan, non-denominational, volunteer women's organization. Its members are dedicated to supporting and raising the awareness of charitable organizations, individuals in need and the community. Women interested in joining the DGJWC, should plan to attend their Virtual General Meeting on January 25th. If you would like to learn more about the DGJWC, please visit: www.dgjwc.org.