Joliet Public Schools District 86 recently welcomed community and business members into elementary and junior high schools for the District’s annual Principal for a Day Celebration. “Honorary” principals shadowed the school principals on Illinois Principal Appreciation Day on October 20, 2023. The special guests helped with student arrival, morning announcements, classrooms visits, recess supervision, and serving lunch. An honorary principal was even spotted signing autographs for some of the students!
"This event is always one of my favorite days each year,” said Joliet Public Schools District 86 Superintendent Dr. Theresa Rouse, “We love to open our doors to community leaders to witness the wonderful things occurring in our schools and the rigorous work our principals do on a daily basis.”
Honorary principals included: T.E. Culbertson Elementary: Diana Viveros, Joliet Latino Economic Development Association (LEDA); M.J. Cunningham Elementary: Paula Earls, Will County Center for Community Concerns; Dirksen Junior High: Representative Larry Walsh, State of Illinois; Eisenhower Academy: Tom Grotovsky, The Great American Bagel; Farragut Elementary: Dr. Clyne Namuo, Joliet Junior College; Forest Park Individual Education School: Shondell Morris, Minor-Morris Funeral Home; Gompers Junior High: Councilman Cesar Cardenas, City of Joliet; Hufford Junior High: Senator Rachel Ventura, State of Illinois; Thomas Jefferson Elementary: Kendria Yarbough, UPS Shipping & Logistics; Edna Keith Elementary: Tanya Arias, Joliet Township Board; A.O. Marshall Elementary: Sheila White, Road 2 Eternity Media; Marycrest Early Childhood Center: K-9 Deputy Michael Kane and “Ryker”, Will County Sheriff; Pershing Elementary: Sherri Funk, Catholic Charities; Sator Sanchez Elementary: Mayor Terry D’Arcy, City of Joliet; Carl Sandburg Elementary: Katy LeClair, Greater Joliet Area YMCA; Isaac Singleton Elementary: Pastor Curtis Bryant, Jr., Mt. Zion Baptist Church; Taft Elementary: Tornelia Hawkins, Hawkins Broadcasting Company; Lynne Thigpen Elementary: Councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, City of Joliet; Thompson Instructional Center: Dan Jungles, Will County Sheriff Deputy; and Washington Junior High: Chantel Gamboa, Boys & Girls Club of Joliet.