May
29
2010
The Hinsdale High School Teachers Association is pleased to report that eighteen graduating seniors were the recipients of $12,800 in scholarships awarded by the Association this year. The scholarship fund was raised through the Staff Talent Show and Spaghetti Dinner at Hinsdale South, and Pancake Breakfast at Hinsdale Central. Events were held during Homecoming week at both schools.
Student recipients were selected from an outstanding pool of applicants. Criteria for consideration included: academic achievement, community service, demonstrated pursuit of excellence, commitment to a career in teaching and financial need.
Recipients at Hinsdale South included four $1,000 scholarships and eight $500 scholarships awarded to:
- Gina Calvello
- Grace Chang
- Cristina Duran
- Yasmine Hatamleh
- Christine Miller
- Kevin Miller
- Justin Ng
- Rahul Puranmalka
- Jessica Reif
- Vienet Romero
- Mariah Wood
- Dan Zangri
Recipients at Hinsdale Central included five $700 scholarships and one $1,300 scholarship awarded to:
- Maeve Andrews
- Christina Lantero
- Colleen Leahy
- Erin Quaid
- Ann Marie Richard
- Jordan Spinazola
Congratulations and best of luck in college to our recipients!
May
26
2010
Terry Meyers has been a fixture in the Hinsdale Central World Languages department for over three decades. She has also been a great source of support and inspiration for me. Not that I’ve learned any French from Terry, but rather that she has been a long time HHSTA-Central Vice president and continued to be active in the Association even after her service as an officer ended. She’s been a source of information, guidance and a go-to person for help with Association business over the years.
Suburban Life had a nice write up on her career influence on her students recently. In it, you can read all about Terry’s career as an outstanding educator who modeled educational excellence for our students for more than three decades. Here’s a snip:
“What really is gratifying is to see the improvement (students) may not notice themselves, or when I take students on a trip to France and see the impact it has on them.
[…]“Even over just the last 10 years, teaching has changed, especially with progress made in technology. Today the tools with which we work is just off-the-charts better than before, the materials at our disposal have improved so much,” Meyers said. “I know the expectations of teachers has also increased exponentially, from the planning to the record keeping,” Meyers said.
We wish Terry all the best of luck!
May
19
2010
Hinsdale High School Teachers Association is proud to recognize the achievement of Hinsdale Central Social Studies teacher Mike DiMatteo on being recognized as a 2010 Golden Apple Teacher of Distinction. Aside from being the varsity head football coach and member in the Association, Mike is always striving to represent the professional excellence in the classroom that our teachers are known for.
From the Golden Apple Foundation press release:
Teachers of Distinction are recognized for their distinguished contribution to teaching and are asked to participate in Golden Apple programs.
The honorees, all high school teachers, were selected from a pool of 562 nominees. Golden Apple has recognized outstanding Chicago-area educators annually since 1986. The creation of Golden Apple founders Mike and Pat Koldyke, the Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching recognize and honor outstanding teachers for their contributions to building a stronger, better-educated citizenry.
“The 20 outstanding educators we’re honoring as Teachers of Distinction this year all exemplify excellence in classroom leadership. We look forward to their contributions to the mission and programs of Golden Apple,” said Golden Apple President and CEO Dominic Belmonte.
DiMatteo in his own words in a recent Suburban Life interview:
“I think some people have a stereotype that coaches are just Xs and Os guys who teach in order to coach. But that isn’t what I am about. I am a teacher who coaches football,” said DiMatteo, now in his sixth year at Hinsdale Central teaching Advanced Placement European History and World Cultures.
[…]
“It’s an honor because the Golden Apple is the highest level award a teacher can receive,” said DiMatteo.
[…]
He currently is working toward a second masters degree in education.
“Any time you can grow professionally, it is a good thing,” DiMatteo said.
Congratulations to Mike for his outstanding achievement and demonstration of professional excellence!
