Civic Association Announces Outstanding Educators and Scholarship Winners

The McKinley Park Civic Association shared the winners of its annual Outstanding Educators award, whom the association will celebrate at its annual banquet on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

The association also announced the winner of the William H.G. Toms Award for community service and winners for the association's first-ever college scholarships, which supports graduating high school seniors attending colleges that demonstrate civic responsibility.

“Congratulations to this year’s winners,” said association president Chris Bania. “Thank you to all schools that have submitted nominations for a staff member.”

Outstanding Educators

The civic association’s 2026 outstanding educators are:

• Rosa Alvarez of Nathanael Greene Elementary School
• Efrain Gonzalez of Thomas Kelly College Prep High School
• Heidie Hernande of Blessed Sacrament Parish’s catechism program
• Mark Jackowiak of the De La Salle Institute
• Yesenia Juarez of Namaste Charter School
• Debra L. Pola of Evergreen Academy Middle School
• Gail Shoenbeck of St. Andrew Lutheran Church’s Sunday School program

Jim Krok will receive this year’s William H.G. Toms Award “for his outstanding service and volunteerism serving the residents of McKinley Park,” Bania said.

High School Scholarships

Scholarship recipients are Natalia Heredia, Sofia Salas and Dja Saenz of Horizon Science Academy – McKinley Park High, and Anapaula Cerna Rivera of the De La Salle Institute.

Tickets to the McKinley Park Civic Association Annual Banquet and Awards are available on a first-come, first-served basis and include a buffet luncheon, dessert and drinks during the event’s program, all of which takes place at the Blessed Sacrament Parish Church Hall at 3745 S. Paulina St., Chicago.

Tickets for Sale

Adult tickets cost $35, and tickets for kids 4 to 11 years old cost $20 until March 28, 2026. After that prices rise to $40 for adults and $25 for children through April 8, or $50 per person at the door on the day of the event.

For more information about the event and ticket purchases, send email to mckinleyparkcivicassociation68@gmail.com. To pay for tickets in advance, send a check to association Treasurer Maribel Castillo at 3700 S. Wolcott Ave., Chicago, IL 60609.