The McKinley Park Civic Association (MPCA) lauded six local educators and association Secretary Chris Bania at its annual Community Celebration held on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Blessed Sacrament Parish Church in Chicago’s McKinley Park neighborhood.
“I am deeply honored and humbled,” said De La Salle Institute teacher and coach Francisco Martinez, one of the recipients of the 2025 Outstanding Educator Award.
“These are the times when students need us the most,” said Suzy Duran, a winning educator who teaches at Thomas Kelly College Preparatory High School. “It is especially meaningful and an honor to celebrate with you here today.”
Passion for Teaching
Evergreen Academy Middle School Principal Marian Strok, left, introduces award-winning music teacher Alora Scofield at the McKinley Park Civic Association's annual Community Celebration on March 9, 2025.Magaly Caveda of Nathanael Greene Elementary School, Andrea Morales of Blessed Sacrament Parish’s religious education program, Namaste Charter School teacher Annabel Ramirez and Evergreen Academy Middle School music teacher Alora Scofield also received Outstanding Educator awards.
“My passion for teaching came from my great experiences as a student,” Ramirez said.
Decades of Service
Bania, a lifelong resident of the McKinley Park neighborhood, received the William H.G. Toms Community Service Award for his community work, including serving for 23 years as the association’s secretary.
“I feel honored and even more appreciated,” he said. “We wouldn’t have a community if it wasn’t for you.”
The banquet included a raffle and luncheon served by students from Evergreen Academy. Its principal, Marian Strok, introduced and lauded Scofield’s work.
“She has enthusiasm you wouldn’t believe,” Strok said.
Moment of Silence
“Teaching at Evergreen feels like I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing,” Scofield said.
A moment of silence and remembrance honored recently deceased McKinley Park Civic Association President Agnes Bednarkiewicz.
Elections on April 2
Bania noted how new association elections will take place at the next McKinley Park Civic Association Meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the McKinley Park branch of the Chicago Public Library.
Bania also reminded attendees of the association’s upcoming Memorial Day Parade on at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 26, 2025, and invited all to attend as it winds through the neighborhood from the library to William McKinley American Legion Post 231.
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