Mrs. Amy Knutson Strack, Vice President | Grayslake Community High School District 127
Mrs. Amy Knutson Strack, Vice President | Grayslake Community High School District 127
Nikki Kirchway attended the Operation Snowball annual banquet on April 30, expecting to support her colleagues. Instead, she received a standing ovation and was awarded the Beyond the Call of Duty Award.
Operation Snowball is a nationally recognized youth leadership program focused on building positive peer relationships and preventing substance use through retreats, workshops, and student-led events. At D127, Snowball has become a significant experience for many students, largely due to Kirchway’s leadership. She served as a Snowball sponsor for over ten years and previously as a staff facilitator, guiding students through transformational experiences that built confidence, connection, and personal growth.
This school year marked a new chapter for Kirchway. After nearly two decades as a Spanish teacher, she assumed the role of Student Life Coordinator, marking her 20th year in the district.
“This is my first year out of the classroom,” Kirchway said. “As I transitioned into my new role, I also stepped down from Snowball, but it was my pleasure to help guide and support Meg Lopez and Rachel Lesinski as they stepped into that space. I wanted to share my experience while encouraging them to make the program their own and do what’s best for our students. ”
While her title changed, her commitment to student connection hasn’t wavered. Her new position has expanded her reach, supporting a wider range of student activities and leadership opportunities across the district.
“To me, Beyond the Call of Duty is someone who isn’t afraid to break barriers, who finds creative ways to reach others and champion them,” she explained. “It’s about being proactive and someone who has ideas and puts them into action without waiting to be asked or told. ”
Kirchway’s motivation remains simple: she loves working with kids. Whether in the classroom or at extracurricular activities, her greatest joy comes from building relationships and seeing students grow.
“I’m most proud of the growth I’ve seen in our students,” she reflected. “Watching them persevere, gain confidence, and realize what they’re capable of—
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