Caring, patient, reliable, motivational: These are just a few of the words used to describe three local educators recently honored by the Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club for their outstanding teaching.

     These teachers were nominated for the Outstanding Teacher Award by one or more of their students. Each was honored at a ceremony on March 24, at which students read the essays they wrote about the teacher they nominated.
    

     Indian Trail fourth grade teacher Maureen Collins, nominated by Kayla Carlson, began her teaching career at Indian Trail as a teacher’s aide in 1992, and moved into a fulltime classroom teaching position when one became available in 1995.  Collins’ colleagues describe her as being “very easygoing, liked by everyone, and very reliable.”
    

     Highland kindergarten teacher Christina Wallace, nominated by Kate Crisp, has been teaching for 14 years, the most recent five at Highland. She has been described as a “fun teacher, full of energy, with equal measures of caring and patience.” One parent said that Wallace has “made kindergarten a joy for our children—and for us, too.”
    

     Angelita Gaffud, nominated by Nora Woods, is celebrating her 40th year of teaching third grade at St. Joseph School. She said she loves working with children, and believes each child has their own unique personality. “She motivates and helps children do their best to achieve their individual maximum academic development,” one parent said.
    

     The DGJWC, an affiliate of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, is a non-partisan, non-denominational, volunteer women’s organization. Its members are dedicated to supporting and raising the awareness of charitable organizations, individuals in need and the community.

     The club fulfills its mission by donating funds, providing resources, and hands-on service; fostering educational endeavors; extending volunteer opportunities and recognizing volunteer excellence; and administering a club network to promote socialization, personal growth, leadership opportunities, and caring and more responsive community members.

     For more information about the organization, call (630) 632-5345 or visit www.DGJWC.org.