Optimists honor Plainfield educators

At their annual Partners in Education dinner last night, the Plainfield Optimist Club recognized teachers and support staff from Saint Susanna and all six PCSC schools. 

In addition to the adult honors, students were recognized and provided the evening's entertainment. 

PHS students Adam Vincent, Anna Ardelean and Jacob Brejcha received awards for their success in the Optimist Essay and Oratorical contests. Vincent and Brejcha presented their original works, while Ardelean submitted a video version of her speech. 

Jacob Brejcha and Adam Vincent shared their essay and speech from the recent Optimist competition


Teachers and staff honored were:

  • Saint Susanna: Outstanding Teacher, Erin Huther, and Outstanding Support Staff, CeAnn Willis, pictured with principal Michele TillerySaint Susanna principal Michele Tillery, with Erin Huther and CeAnn Willis


  • Brentwood Elementary: Outstanding Support Staff, Stephanie Mowery, and Outstanding Teacher, Rachel Landis, with principal Nicole Walker
Brentwood principal Nicole Walker, with Stephanie Mowery & Rachel Landis


  • Central Elementary: Outstanding Support Staff, Heidi Schwettman, and Outstanding Teacher, Jennie Menser, with principal Julie Thacker
Central principal Julie Thacker, with Heidi Schwettman and Jenni Menser


  • Van Buren Elementary: Outstanding Support Staff, Sandy Williams, and Outstanding Teacher, Casey Harvey, with principal Ray Helmuth
Van Buren principal Ray Helmuth with Sandy Williams and Casey Harvey


  • Clarks Creek Elementary: Outstanding Teacher, Jeff Van Paris, and Outstanding Support Staff, Mimi Decker, with principal Marisa Donovan
Jeff Van Paris and Mimi Decker, along with Clarks Creek principal Marisa Donovan


  • Plainfield Community Middle School: Outstanding Teacher, Jon Adams, and Outstanding Support Staff, Doraine Chapman, with principal Pat Cooney
PCMS principal Pat Cooney, with Jon Adams and Doraine Chapman


  • Plainfield High School: Outstanding Teacher, Adam Ferguson, and Outstanding Support Staff, Cindy Spangler (not pictured) with principal Mel Seifert
PHS principal Mel Seifert, with Adam Ferguson. Cindy Spangler was not able to attend.


While we celebrate these devoted educators, we also thank the Plainfield Optimist Club for their constant support of students and educators throughout our community.