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For Immediate Release
October 21, 2005
Teacher Paul Kelly awarded $25,000 by Milken Family
Foundation
A Hinsdale South High School social studies teacher was
awarded $25,000 today (Monday, Oct. 24) by the Milken
Family Foundation in recognition of his outstanding efforts
in the field of education.
Paul Kelly has only been teaching social studies for
seven years but the impact he makes on students reflects
a seasoned veteran. Paul is a dedicated teacher who is
committed to helping his students achieve actual learning.
Under his guidance, his students demonstrate real growth
in their knowledge, understanding, and skills.
A natural leader, Paul was selected by the Art Institute
of Chicago to serve on their High School Education Advisory
Committee and the Illinois Association of Sociology teachers
has had Paul present at their state conferences.
The combination of these skills is what led the Milken
Family Foundation to select Paul as one of three Illinois
recipients of the prestigious Milken National Educator
Award.
The announcement came as a complete surprise to almost
everyone in the crowded auditorium of Hinsdale South High
School. Under the ruse of a visit by State Superintendent
of Education Randy Dunn, an assembly was put together.
The reality was something on a bigger scale as local dignitaries,
politicians, and members of the school board took their
places. Then Lowell Milken, chairman and co-founder of
the Milken Family Foundation was introduced. A few people
in the audience recognized the name but the secret was
still intact. After a short speech about outstanding teachers
and the importance of education, Milken announced the
real reason for the assembly.
The prestigious award is given annually to teachers demonstrating
exemplary teaching skills and personal commitment to education.
Each winner receives $25,000 from the Milken Family Foundation
which they can use for any purpose.
Paul's passion for teaching doesn't end with his students.
His colleagues describe him as the consummate professional
with a genuine warmth and concern for his students and
the school community. Fellow teachers gravitate to him
as do students. As a matter of fact, because of Paul's
enormous impact on students the school had to hire another
sociology teacher due to ever increasing enrollment in
the program.
As a teacher, one of Paul's greatest strengths is his
ability to reach out and connect with his students. He
is willing to do whatever it takes to help students learn
and he never stops trying to improve his teaching so he
can best help students. Students respect his knowledge
and are willing to work hard for him because they understand
he is truly interested in their success.
This year, 100 teachers in 48 states and the District
of Columbia will receive Milken awards. To date, the Milken
Family Foundation has honored a total of more than 2100
educators, and distributed more than $54 million in awards.
Ninety nine Illinois teachers and principals have received
the Milken National Educator award since its inception.
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