Foundation Heroes
We recognize that we can’t do this without people like YOU, so we’ve decided to celebrate those who have truly gone above to make Peoria Public Schools a better place.
Each month we find the newest HERO, and award their achievements. Check out the newest members here.
March, 2024
Lynne Fehr
Wraparound Center Staff
Lynne works at the Wraparound Center and advocates for many children and families. She supports the PPS Foundation events, giving and being a positive advocate for our work. We absolutely love Lynne, and she has been amazing to work with.
February, 2024
Josh Collins
PPS Director of Transportation
As an administrator and leader, Josh always goes above and beyond making sure all the complex moving parts of getting students to and home from school, and field experiences are implemented. He always steps up to be supportive of the Foundation and our work. Congratulations Josh. We appreciate you!
January, 2024
Kathy Cobb
Snack Pack Coordinator
Kathy is a member of the Glen Oak Christian Church. She is the coordinator of the Snack Pack program, among other volunteer programs at the church. Kathy has been a major supporter of the Foundation over the years, and she goes above and beyond to improve the lives of the students and their families. We are honored to award Kathy Cobb as a PPS Foundation Hero of the Month.
December, 2023
Peoria Riverfront Museum
The Peoria Riverfront Museum is truly a wonderful community partner. Their Every Student Initiative ensures our students visit the museum annually at no cost to them. They support our foundation's mission with both in-kind and financial contributions, by attending our events, and volunteering for our programs. We appreciate their support so much.
November, 2023
PPS Education Board
The PPS Board of Education members are true heroes. They dedicate their time and energy for five years (or in some cases longer) in a volunteer capacity, contributing numerous hours and dedication to our public schools. Thank you so much for your commitment and service!
October, 2023
Carla Eman
Budget and Compliance Director
Carla has been a long-time employee of Peoria Public Schools and has worked with the PPS Foundation as our secondary checking account signer since 2010. Carla's commitment to the PPS Foundation extends beyond her official role though. She's been an incredible supporter and volunteer, always ready to assist with any questions or administrative needs. Working with Carla has been truly great over the years. She may not seek the limelight, but her unwavering loyalty and dedication to Peoria Public Schools is the reason she is our October Hero of the Month. Congratulations Carla, and we wish you all the best as you approach your well-deserved retirement!
September, 2023
Carethia Hamner
School Crossing Guard
Ms. Hamner truly stands out in her vital role as a school crossing guard. Each day, rain or shine, she goes above and beyond to ensure our students arrive and leave school safely. Ms. Hamner's dedication and commitment to the safety of our children is truly appreciated. We extend our sincere gratitude to her and all of our incredible crossing guards who work diligently to keep our students safe on their journeys to and from school. Thank you so much for your work!
Past Heroes
August 2022 - May 2023
May 2023 – Rick Pantages, Master Gardener
April 2023 – Sharonda Buckner, school counselor at Glen Oak Community Learning Center
March 2023 – Tagwana Webster, Climate Transformation Project Director for Peoria Public Schools
February 2023 – Holly Nelson, Teacher & Coach at Manual High School
January 2023 – Kim Getz, Teacher at Manual High School
November 2022 – Darlene Violet, Founding Member of Shared Blessings Peoria
October 2022 – Casey Ahmad, School Counselor at Sterling Middle School
September 2022 – Sarah Fletcher, Director of Grants & Community Initiatives, Community Foundation of Central Illinois
August 2022 – Shelly Craycraft, Richwoods High School Librarian & Roundtable Advisor
August 2021 - May 2022
May 2022 – Jessica Oberholtzer, family school liaison at Harold B. Dawson Jr. Middle School
April 2022 – everyone at the PPS Accountability & Research Department
March 2022 – Michelle Seipel, PPS Director of Technology
February 2022 – Michael Brix, construction instructor at Woodruff Career & Technical Center
January 2022 – Connie Graves, library manager at Von Steuben Middle School
December 2021 – Lyndsay Griepentrog, Starbucks District Manager Central Illinois North
November 2021 – Dave Meyer, PPS Director of Buildings & Grounds
October 2021 – Janet Ham, past president of Whittier Primary School PTO
September 2021 – Andrew Muir, CEO of Muir Omni Graphics
August 2021 – Matt Fogelmark, PPS Print Shop at Roy Ricketts Center
August 2020 - May 2021
May 2021 – Geri Hammer, PPS Director of Employee Services
April 2021 – Dr. Thom Simpson, retired PPS administrator
March 2021 – Shar’Ron Ford, front desk gatekeeper at Manual High School
February 2021 – Mike Illuzi, principal of Lincoln k-8 School
January 2021 – No Foundation Hero this month
December 2020 – Pam Wiley, food pantry director at the Wraparound Center
November 2020 – Dr. Susan Grzanich, PPS Innovations & Grants Officer and Director of Woodruff Career & Technical Center
October 2020 – Brittany Duffield, licensed realtor & property manager at Junction City
September 2020 – Stacy Hardin, owner of The Book Rack Used Books & Gifts
August 2020 – Alex O’Shaughnessy, Richwoods High School graduate
August 2019 - July 2020
July 2020 – Elise Scheil, Hy-Vee on Sheridan Store Director
June 2020 – Michael Murphy, PPS Board of Education member
May 2020 – No Foundation Hero this month
April 2020 – No Foundation Hero this month
March 2020 – Barbara Pierce, PPS Communications Specialist
February 2020 – Tracy Jones, PPS Executive Administrative Assistant
January 2020 – Jitske (Jetty) Miedema-Fox, Head of Culinary Program at Wooodruff Career & Technical Center
December 2019 – Alex Romero, PPS Administration Building Daytime Custodian
November 2019 – Naomi Armstrong – Administrative Assistant at Roy Rickets Center
October 2019 – Mary Newman-Evans, English teacher & CEAT (Community Engagement Action Team) Leader at Manual High School
September 2019 – Lillian Bishop, PPS Transportation Specialist
August 2019 – Stan Hangen, Family & Community Liasion at Manual High School