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VOL. 18 • NO. 4
Movie in the Park | The Goonies
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THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 2022
Vallez receives INSPRA award of excellence Park district leader earns highest honor at Distinguished Service Awards
Bensenville Park District Executive Director Joseph C. Vallez received an award of excellence in the community member category as education advocates from throughout the state were honored for their support of their local schools and districts as part of the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association’s (INSPRA) annual Distinguished Service Awards Luncheon Friday, May 13, at the Bolingbrook Golf Club. “The Distinguished Service
Awards is an opportunity to honor those deserving individuals who passionately advocate for public education in our state,” said INSPRA President Alex Mayster, APR, Executive Director of Communications for Naperville 203. “These individuals work tirelessly to highlight the successes of public schools. They understand the importance of building a strong public relations program that provides all members of the school community the opportunity to promote excellence and be champions
of students and employees.” The Distinguished Service Awards recognize those who make a difference in their school communities by helping to promote public education and enhance its programs and services. Nominees are evaluated on their ability to support or improve understanding and communication in the school/district; foster cooperative partnerships between the school and community and strengthen the overall support for education by stakeholders.
“It is an honor to receive recognition for things that other people in the community do on a daily basis,” Vallez said. “The park district’s goal is to hopefully improve the quality of life for our residents on a daily basis through our cooperation with the other taxing bodies in Bensenville.” Vallez’ service to the community included assistance to Fenton High School with mass vaccination drives and unusual rental needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fenton High School and its community experi-
enced a quicker return to normal in large part thanks to Vallez and park district staff. For the first time since 2019, Fenton was able to organize a homecoming dance and Latin favor mixer dance because Vallez ensured the park district’s large outdoor tent remained available for use by Fenton, charging the school only for expenses incurred. As the 2021-22 school year continued, Vallez was in con-
See VALLEZ, Page 4
Stan Mikita Hockey School for Deaf, Hard of Hearing coming to The Edge This June, the Village of Bensenville’s Edge Ice Arena will serve as the host facility for this year’s 49th annual Stan Mikita Hockey School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The program will take place from June 11 through June 18. The American Hearing-Impaired Hockey Association (AHIHA) is one of the leading sports organizations in the United States serving deaf and hard of hearing athletes. The organization’s mission is to instill confidence and self-esteem in deaf and hard of hearing individuals, primarily through AHIHA-sponsored clinics, camps, and related hockey activities. This summer program provides students the opportunity to work with a number of USA Hockey certified coaches to gain on ice skills, systems of play, fundamentals of skating, and
off-ice conditioning. The players are assigned to teams based on age, ability, and experience. Each team then plays games against local competition during the week of the hockey school. Game play is modified by using special modifications such as interpreters on the bench and flashing lights to indicate referee whistles. “This program makes a major impact on the skaters who take part in it,” said Village President Frank DeSimone. “Not only do they get to learn from highly skilled professionals, but they also form life-long friendships and learn valuable life lessons along the way. Being the rink of choice for this program year after year is truly an honor and something the Village is thrilled to be a part of.” Additional details on the program can be found at ahiha.org.
Inside:
Fun and games
SUBMITTED PHOTO Bensenville Independent
This little girl prepares to spin the wheel at one of the game tables at Cinco de Mayo Kermes held at Fenton High School on Saturday, May 7. More photos inside. 390271
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