At the May Board of Education meeting, several D140 students and staff were recognized for their hard work, dedication, and contributions to D140’s school communities.
Prairie View Students Earn Top Honors at SWIC Declamation Competition
The Board of Education recognized four Prairie View Declamation team members for their impressive showings at the Southwest Interscholastic Conference (SWIC) Competition.
Congratulations to:
- 1st Place, Humorous Duet – Kevin F. (7th Grade) and Liam G. (8th Grade)
- 2nd Place, Humorous Interpretation – Allison B. (7th Grade)
- 3rd Place, Dramatic Interpretation – Jayden H. (8th Grade)
Coached by Mr. Mauer and Mr. Oganovich, Declamation is a highly competitive speech event that gives students the opportunity to express themselves through persuasive, comedic, or dramatic performances. The competition features six categories: Humorous Duet, Verse Interpretation, Prose Interpretation, Dramatic Interpretation, Humorous Interpretation, and Oratorical Declamation. Performances range from three to seven minutes and are judged on vocal variety, eye contact, gestures, and articulation.
KSD 140 Students Excel at 2025 South Cook Math Bowl
Seven outstanding D140 mathematicians were celebrated for their first-place and MVP performances at the South Cook Math Bowl. This annual event features the best math students from elementary and middle schools in the south and southwest suburbs competing in individual and team events.
Congratulations to Jonathan A. (Millennium), Chris B. (Keller), Victoria C. (Bannes), Tommy F. (Prairie View), Landon H. (Millennium), Ethan M. (Millennium), and Emmett W. (Grissom)!
Band Students Celebrated for Leadership and Performance Contributions
The Board of Education recognized several middle school musicians for their leadership and performance contributions to D140's band program. These students were celebrated for their exemplary performances at the IGSMA Solo & Ensemble Contest and their outstanding contributions to the IGSMA State Contest, where the District’s band program received Superior rankings.
Congratulations to:
6th Grade: Alexandria B. (GMS), Kendall C. (GMS), Ariana C. (PV), Heidi M. (GMS), Rorric O. (GMS), Evan P. (PV), Marianna P. (PV), Maddie P. (GMS), Max P. (GMS), Talia S. (PV), William V. (PV), and Madelynne W. (PV)
7th Grade:
Alex A. (GMS), Lukas B. (GMS), Charlotte B. (PV), Ella G. (PV), Liam L. (GMS), Allen M. (PV), Adam M. (PV), Andrew R. (PV), Judah S. (PV), Kristupas S. (GMS), Lucas S. (GMS), and Emmett W. (GMS)
8th Grade:
Benjamin B (PV), William B.(GMS), Colin B. (PV), Olivia C. (GMS), Elizabeth C. (GMS), Daniel K. (GMS), Roxanne M. (GMS), June Murray (PV), Katherine O. (PV), Damien R. (PV), Joshua W. (GMS), and Ella Mae W. (PV)
KSD140’s Mike Szczasny Honored as Outstanding Music Educator
Band Director Mike Szczasny was celebrated for receiving the Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator Award from Quinlan and Fabish Music Company.
This prestigious award, given since 1989, celebrates exceptional music educators across the Chicagoland and Michiana regions. Recipients are nominated by peers and selected by past honorees for their lasting impact on music education.
Congratulations and Thank You to our D140 Retirees
The Board of Education also recognized several retiring staff members. Their contributions have enriched our school communities, and we are deeply grateful for their years of service and dedication to our students and families. We wish them all the best in their well-deserved retirement!
- Julie Bekta - 22 years
- Kathleen Dunigan- 11 years
- Natalie Jones - 2 years
- Marilyn Jordan - 28 years
- Lisa Otto - 33 years
- Carolyn Mikos - 21 years
- Kathleen Skupien- 18 years
- Annette Szczasny - 27 years
- Therese Welser - 4 years