We are so proud to announce John F. Kennedy Middle School eighth grade Language Arts and Honors teacher Jennifer Gruca was named 2025 Illinois State Board of Education Far South Suburbs Regional Teacher of the Year.
Gruca is now one of 13 finalists for the Teacher of the Year Award for the State of Illinois which will be announced later this school year.
“Innovative. Creative. Culturally responsive.”
Those are just a few words JFK Principal Amandeep Hundal used to describe Gruca.
“Gruca is an amazing teacher who allows students to express themselves in creative ways,” Hundal said.
“We are lucky to have Jennifer at District 202 and JFK,” he added.
We also want to recognize the following individuals:
April Benish, fourth-grade teacher, Award of Special Recognition
Diane Demos Spielman, music teacher, Award of Meritorious Service
Kimberly Collier-Jefferson, fourth-grade teacher, Award of Excellence