Left to Right; Maria Kurt – Business Leader of the Year, Detective Brian O’Connell -
Public Safety Employee of the Year,
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Maria Kurt - Business Leader of the Year
If you know anything about Maria Kurt, you know she loves foreign cultures. Her love for the French and France, combined with her undying desire to share her knowledge and passion for all-things French has been the driving force behind her success, making the French Institute the beacon of French on the North Shore. But her perseverance and enthusiasm did not stop there. Just a few years after founding the French Institute, she opened the French School, a French immersion preschool, recognizing that young children would have an insurmountable advantage by learning a second language at an early age. The success of her schools does not come without labor. From pulling the Eiffel Tower during the 4th of July parade, scooping lavender ice cream during sidewalk sales or collaborating with the Hadley School for a memorable soirée, Maria Kurt is a tireless woman dedicated to her schools and her community. To ensure she was prepared to serve the French School, she amazed many by going back to school to earn a Masters in Early Childhood Administration just four months after giving birth to her second daughter. Her distinct ability to run a business combined with her teaching background has been key in hiring highly qualified French teachers from abroad year after year. This makes all the difference in making the French School the best school it can be. And you probably think that teaching little children French would be enough. Not for Maria. Her affinity for all foreign cultures goes beyond the French. Yes, se habla español. Just this past year, the Spanish School was born. Maria embodies a business leader in all characteristics: fervent passion, motivation, enthusiasm and commitment to giving the best of her business to everyone who steps through the doors of the French Institute, the French School and the Spanish School. |
Clyde Willian Honored as "Winnetka Man of the Year"
The Winnetka Chamber of Commerce recognized longtime Winnetka resident Clyde Willian as its 2010 Man of the Year. Willian was co-nominated by The Hadley School for the Blind and the Winnetka Community House. As past chairman of Hadley’s Board of Trustees and an active board member, Willian has demonstrated leadership, vision and generosity in helping Hadley to become the largest provider of distance education for people who are blind or visually impaired, their families, and blindness service providers worldwide. “I cannot think of a more deserving person than Clyde Willian to be named Winnetka Man of the Year,” says Hadley President Chuck Young. “He is incredibly involved in the community and a tremendous advocate for Winnetka, exemplifying outstanding community service.” Young adds that Willian’s stewardship and support for Hadley is unmatched. “He understands the role of a board member better than anyone I know. He is supportive of the board, management and staff and provides guidance without micromanaging the process.” Willian joined Hadley’s board in 1982 and became chairman in 2005. Under his direction, the school greatly increased its marketing and outreach efforts within the community. During Willian’s tenure, Hadley initiated the Hounds for Hadley Dog Walk, Spring From Darkness Into Light Folk Concert and events with Rotary and Delta Gamma Sorority. His support of the school has also enabled Hadley to launch new initiatives to better reach people who are blind, their families and professionals in the field including the creation of a partnership with Utah State University to develop a college-credit program for educators and the establishment of an online library in collaboration with Bookshare.org. Currently, Willian serves on Hadley’s Nominating and Board Development Committees and oversees the Hadley Sensory Garden maintenance. As a member of the Winnetka Community House Board of Governors since 2007, Willian has used his wealth of experience and passion to chair the Development Committee, spearheading fundraising efforts successfully through tough economic times. He has also been instrumental in the Life Members program, an avenue for the WCH to honor individuals for their substantial support over many years. "It was no surprise that Clyde jumped right into action at his very first Board meeting," remarks Rob Albertson, WCH Board Chair. "He volunteered to be the head of our Development Committee right off the bat. And he's been great in helping WCH really raise its profile...and raise funds!" “His ongoing support of both the institution and the staff make Clyde a most valued board member,” adds WCH Executive Director Tim McCabe. “He brings great energy and commitment to his work with our board. His involvement, leadership and support of our board and staff are an invaluable asset to the Community House.” Willian is also an active member of the Winnetka Rotary Club and a life trustee and chairman emeritus of Rose Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Ind. His late wife, Patti, who was equally active in the community, received the Winnetka Woman of the Year Award in 2008. Willian has five children— Jay, Jeffrey, John, Michael and Mary (McKey). |
Barb Tubekis – Woman of the Year
For 15 years, Barb Tubekis has been the face of the Volunteer Center, but to all those who know her (and they are legion) she is its heart and soul. When Barb became executive director, the Volunteer Center had a limited mission, circumscribed boundaries, and an increasingly outdated name, The Volunteer Talent Pool. Employing her own talents, Barb worked with successive boards to expand the organization’s scope and reach. As the Volunteer Center celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, making it the oldest such organization in the state, it has never been more essential or more effective. From educational programming to days of service to a state-of-the art volunteer matching website, the Volunteer Center provides a comprehensive and ever-expanding response to the challenges facing local not-for-profit organizations. Representing more than 200 not-for-profits and thousands of volunteers each year is a full-time job, especially if it is to be done right and with that all-important personal touch. To accomplish that feat, Barb generously volunteers her time to help ensure that the needs of volunteers, not-for-profits, and the Volunteer Center are met. In that respect, as in so many others, Barb epitomizes all that is best in volunteerism: Unstinting selflessness, goodness, and decency. You will never see her without that beautiful smile on her face. And, thanks to her indefatigable spirit, enthusiastic demeanor, and inclusive philosophy, she never fails to bring a smile and a sense of satisfaction to the thousands of people whose lives she touches each year. |
Mike Rivard – Village Employee of the Year
Mike Rivard has been employed by the Village of Winnetka for 25 years. Mike began his career in 1985 as a maintenance worker, and in 1989 was promoted to Supervisor for the sewer crew. As sewer supervisor, Mike has day-to-day responsibility for managing his five-person crew and maintaining, cleaning, and repairing over 70 miles of sanitary and storm sewers, and 8 pump stations. I suppose it should come as no surprise that Mike is employed as the Sewer Supervisor for the Village of Winnetka. Mike was born and raised in Winnetka until his family moved away when he was nine or ten years old. Mike recalls that when he was a boy, he used to spend time playing in the sewers at the end of his driveway, until Officer Elenz (long-since retired, but still lives in town) would come by and shoo him out. I guess you can take the boy out of the sewers, but you can’t take the sewers out of the boy. Over the years, Mike has shown himself to be a dedicated employee, constantly on call to plow snow, respond to flooding calls, help residents, and do the dozens of other big and small jobs that come with being a public works professional. No incident demonstrates Mike’s dedication better than his response to the September 13-15, 2008 rain storm that dumped nearly 9 inches on Chicago and the northern suburbs over a weekend. Mike was on vacation on a long-planned motorcycle trip in northern Wisconsin that weekend. Saturday morning one of his buddies was watching television and noticed that flooding in Winnetka was the lead news story and notified Mike. Mike thought, “Uh-oh…”, and then chose to call his supervisor to ask if Winnetka needed help. The answer was yes, so Mike purchased a rain suit at the local Wal-Mart and rode back to Winnetka, through the rain on his motorcycle, to help out. That is the type of dedication that Mike Rivard displays day in and day out to Winnetka, and to you, the citizens of Winnetka. |
Brian O’Connell – Police Officer of the Year
Brian O’Connell is currently a Detective for the Winnetka Police Department. He has been employed with the Village of Winnetka for 9 years. Brian worked patrol for 5 years prior to becoming the School Resource Officer at New Trier High School in August of 2006. In April of 2009, Brian was assigned to the Investigations Unit where he continues to make significant contributions to the department as a Detective. Brian has received specialized training in several areas. This specialized training helps Brian further serve the community as an Evidence Technician, Field Training Officer, Bicycle Officer, and Juvenile Officer. Prior to working for the Winnetka Police Department, Brian graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in Criminal Justice. Brian is a valuable and versatile member of the Winnetka Police Department. During 2009, he transitioned from the important and sensitive role of New Trier High School Liason Officer to a member of the Investigations Unit as a Detective. While serving as the New Trier Liaison Officer for almost 3 school years, Brian established relationships with students and staff that allowed him to perform his duties to the highest level. Brian cleared many criminal cases that occurred at the school and conducted numerous safety presentations to students, including the dangers of alcohol abuse. He functioned as a counselor, mentor and advisor to many of the students. To some, he was the first adult contact due to the level of trust and respect that they had for him. He was a valuable resource to staff members on countless occasions, also. You might even have considered him to be and “adjunct” faculty member! After transitioning into the Investigations Unit, Brian immediately demonstrated his talent for investigating and solving crimes. Brian was instrumental in clearing numerous serious felony cases, which resulted in the removal of several dangerous individuals from our community and surrounding towns. These investigations included robberies, residential burglaries, thefts and many other violent and property crimes. Brian was designated as Winnetka’s representative for the North Regional Major Crimes (NORTAF) Burglary Task Force. This Task Force is charged with the responsibility to develop information and conduct investigations regarding burglaries occurring in 14 north suburban communities. Ultimately, through these investigations, intense detailed evidence evaluation and covert surveillance activities, this group is responsible for arresting and obtaining convictions against criminals who threaten the safety and security of our communities. Brian participated in several Burglary Task Force activations that led to the arrest of numerous individuals connected to sophisticated burglary groups, including a team know as the “Camo Burglars” due to their habit of wearing camouflaged clothing during their “cat burglary” activities. These “Camo Burglars” were responsible for multiple burglaries and home invasions throughout Cook and Lake Counties. Brian’s dedication to his profession, his tireless efforts and willingness to do whatever it takes, regardless of personal inconvenience, have made Winnetka a safer community. |
Shirley Cullen, Educator of the Year – Lower School science teacher at North Shore Country Day School
Winnetka’s Educator of the Year honors Shirley Cullen, Lower School science teacher at North Shore Country Day School. The best way to describe Shirley is to quote the many people who nominated her including parents, Trustees and former heads of school. “Shirley has an amazing ability to make science fun and understandable. Through her always-positive personality, she makes students feel better about their education and themselves.” “Shirley Cullen is one of the reasons we sent our children to North Shore. When we entered her science lab and saw all the projects and experiments that she was working on with students, we were stunned. “ “Shirley is magical. While I was Head of School, if I felt especially burdened by administrative duties, I quickly learned to take a break and go visit the Lower School. Just walking into Shirley’s lab made me feel inspired and grateful.” “Shirley Cullen is one of those rare individuals that heads of schools treasure because she so deeply values the experience of every single child. I have known few teachers in my career who have been enthusiastic and inspiring every single day.” “At every great school there are only a few extraordinary teachers who touch children, families and colleagues in ways that last a lifetime. Shirley Cullen is one of those extraordinary teachers. North Shore has been blessed to count on her for the last 23 years.” And finally, from her own biography on the School’s website: “I knew I wanted to be a teacher from the time I was in the fourth grade. I knew I wanted learning to be serious and fun. In the 30-plus years I have been a teacher, there has not been one day when I regretted my decision.” |