Marilyn Becker's life changed today with a surprise announcement that she is Gary D. Wright Elementary School's nominee for 2010 Kane County Educator of the Year. It was the first such nomination by the school, whose namesake was on hand to celebrate, and the first nomination of a D300 paraprofessional for as long as anyone in the room could remember.

Congratulations go to all of D300's esteemed nominees this year: Nancy Garber, 7th grade language arts and AVID teacher from Dundee Middle School; special education teacher Kelly Bolas from Neubert Elementary; and John Gorman, band director from Dundee-Crown High.

"When you are nominated for this award, you soon find out just how very loved, respected and valued you are," said Allison Strupeck, D300 spokeswoman, who helped Principal Don Wicker share the news in a joint meeting today between his staff and the staff of Hampshire Elementary School.  "To be nominated truly is a 'lifetime achievement' type of honor. Like our other outstanding nominees from D300 this year, Marilyn will finally enjoy the recognition she deserves but never sought."

Principal Wicker added that because Mrs. Becker has been so involved with all Hampshire schools for so long - whether as a staff member, parent, or volunteer - her nomination was on behalf of the entire Hampshire community.  She was featured in a D300 video documentary a couple of years ago honoring Hampshire High School's rite of passage from State Street to Big Timber Road.

The 2010 Kane County Educator of the Year Awards Banquet will be held at Pheasant Run in St. Charles on May 7.  Dundee-Crown High School music students will be the featured musical entertainment.  Watch for more information closer to the event about each of the D300 nominees, who will appear on the WRMN "People to People" radio talk-show Tuesday, May 4.