Lake County Gazette

During its May 16 meeting, the Diamond Lake School District 76 Board of Education dedicated a portion of its time to acknowledge and honor certain members of their staff who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and effort throughout the current academic year.

The board honored the staff members with Diamond Awards for the way they shine and sparkle in the district.

First, West Oak Intermediate School (WOIS) principal Kurt Preble came forward to recognize Dora Baron and Elizabeth Melgoza.

"They set the standard for how a school office should look, sound and operate, and our families and staff are grateful for it," Preble said in the meeting.

The administrative assistants at WOIS were commended for establishing a secure and inclusive atmosphere, and they were recognized for their ability to efficiently and calmly resolve various situations that arose. They graciously handled missing lunches, assisted sick students, managed additional recess duties and found substitute teachers on short notice.

“This climate of a caring, welcoming and service first has been built and sustained by both Mrs. Baron and Mrs. Melgoza throughout the year,” Preble said.

Julie Pecoraro, an instructional coach from West Oak Middle School (WOMS), nominated Nicole Lynch, an EL resource teacher at the school. Pecoraro shared that she had recently chosen to nominate Lynch as an outstanding teacher in the Illinois Reading Council.

"[Lynch] cares about each and every one of them," Pecoraro said in the meeting. "She strives to help them in all aspects of their day, whether they're in her class or a different class. She takes the time to check in with them and make sure that they have a successful day. She is passionate about teaching and making sure her ESL students have equitable opportunities to be successful in their academic journey. She is always willing to work with every student in need no matter what."

Mary Pat Monahan, who works collaboratively with Cynthia Gomez in the 4th grade, was the last staff member to receive recognition, as she was nominated by her teaching partner.

Expressing gratitude, Gomez spoke of her immense fortune in having an incredibly inspiring teaching partner for the past three years. She acknowledged not only Monahan's expertise and years of experience but also her deep dedication and empathy toward students, families and colleagues.

“She is deserving of this award and recognition, and I am so lucky and grateful to have the opportunity every day to learn and collaborate with such an amazing and inspirational ally,”  Gomez said in the meeting.