Rock Valley Publishing
Thursday, March 27, 2025
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KNIGHT OF JEWELS
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER, DICK VITALE, COLLEGE BASKETBALL ANALYST, ABC SPORTS AND ESPN WWW.ICCATHOLICPREP.ORG
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Bensenville
Independent
All Around the House
QUILT SHOW
Quilt Exhibits
Quilt Appraisals by
Appointment
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Ap Fischer Farm, 16W680
ril 5 and 6
Old Grand Ave., Bense
nville
For more infor matio
n visit
BvilleParks.org/Qui
ltShow
also serving Wood Dale
VOL. 22 • NO. 15
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THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025
Wilson named LEA Outstanding New Lutheran Early Childhood Teacher Amanda Wilson was selected to receive Lutheran Education Association’s National 2025 Outstanding New Lutheran Early Childhood Teacher Award. She is in her third year of teaching at Zion-Concord Lutheran School, 865 S. Church Road, Bensenville, where she teaches first, second, and third grade. Wilson earned a LTE in elementary education from Concordia University Chicago. Ministry experiences that helped shape her include organizing a fundraising campaign that raised several thousand dollars to support a mission trip to Poland, where she had the opportunity to teach 4- and 5-year-olds about Jesus and the English language. At Concordia Chicago, she was actively involved in a Christian youth ministry team each year, eventually serving as the team leader, overseeing the planning of devotions, organizing lock-ins, and preparing games, which allowed her to further develop her leadership and ministry skills. Wilson has found joy in her teaching. She said, “I take great satisfaction in observing students independently solve problems and make discov-
Inside:
eries. I strive to equip them with the necessary tools and present them with challenges, allowAmanda ing them to Wilson navigate and resolve issues on their own. When students independently identify patterns or successfully sound out a word, it validates the effort and preparation that went into their learning process.” Wilson has not escaped challenges. “One of the challenges I face as a Lutheran educator is witnessing students leave our school for reasons that are not aligned with the mission of Lutheran education,” she said. “During my time at Zion-Concord, I have had the privilege of teaching students with learning disabilities, and it is disheartening when they are unable to continue their education at our school due to the lack of specialized support services. “I deeply wish that we had the resources and opportunities to better support these students, enabling them to continue their faith-based education and development
within our community.” Wilson’s nominator, said, “Ms. Wilson is an exceptional teacher. She is effective in her instruction and skilled at classroom management. Ms. Wilson utilizes academic games, teamwork, and a touch of silliness to help her students focus. “She also motivates her students by awarding them points for good behavior and work completion so that they can earn prizes from the treasure box. The children in her classroom benefit from her calm personality and successful classroom management. Above all, I appreciate her dedication to the faith and teaching the children about Jesus.” One colleague said, “I love how well organized and creative her lesson plans are. She uses a variety of resources in her curriculum to keep her students engaged and focused during each lesson. “Her students are excited to learn in her class and are encouraged to be creative, to try new things and to not be afraid to make mistakes. Her students are also passionate about learning about the Lutheran faith and are excited to worship Jesus together.”
Wilson’s personal mission statement is “to nurture and guide students in their academic and social-emotional growth, with Christ at the center.”
“I am committed to creating a supportive environment where each student is encouraged to develop their full potential, both in knowledge and in character,” she said. “By
integrating faith, compassion, and learning, I strive to inspire students to grow in their gifts and become individuals who serve others and make a positive impact in the world.”
SUBMITTED PHOTO Rock Valley Publishing
Solving the puzzle
On March 14, the Bensenville Park District hosted “The Shamrock Quest”— a community puzzle competition. Teams consisting of three or four people competed head-to-head to complete a 500-piece puzzle in the shortest time possible. Shown here is the winning team, which completed the puzzle in 37 minutes, 19 seconds.
Easter Bunny to deliver joy to Bensenville Park District homes The Bensenville Park Dis- between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.
nator Leslie Monarrez. “This
is inviting families to exThis fun-filled program of- event is a wonderful way to Opinion.............................4 Police Reports �������������������8 trict perience the magic of Easter fers a unique opportunity for celebrate Easter with a perits new Easter Basket De- a quick photo with the Bunny sonal touch that children will Speak out..........................5 Sports......................... 16-18 with livery program. and creates lasting memories remember for years to come.” Parents are asked to drop off labeled Easter baskets for their children at the Deer Grove Leisure Center (DGLC) by April 4 so the Easter Bunny can hand-deliver them to in-district homes on April 12
for children of all ages. “We are thrilled to bring the Easter Bunny directly to our community’s doorsteps, making the holiday extra special for families,” said Recreation Supervisor-Program Coordi-
Pre-registration is required at the DGLC, 1000 W. Wood St., Bensenville. Fees are $8 per child or $25 per household. For more information, call 630-766-7015 or visit BvilleParks.org.
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