Viking Leaders Award: Heartland Elementary School Principal Kimberly Hornberg presented the Viking Leaders Award to the 2nd grade students in Mrs. Odom's room. They learned about civics in social studies this semester and wanted to do something to improve their community. They chose to replace a broken bench in their school’s sensory garden. The seven- and eight-year-olds developed and implemented a plan to raise money with the hopes of being able to purchase two benches. While their goal was to raise just over $400, through their effort they were able to raise more than $1,000 and purchased chairs in addition to the benches for the sensory garden. By taking this initiative, they exemplified key proponents of the District 304 Viking Leaders Award. 

GHS Principal Tom Rogers presented the Tradition of Excellence award to GHS Academic Challenge in Engineering and Science (ACES) Team. They participated in the state competition on April 3, 2024 and finished in 6th place. Charlie Winterhalter placed 2nd in the Engineering Graphics competition. Andrea Turek finished top 10 in Biology, Vasilisa Pozdeyev finished Top 10 in English, and Mason Wiedow and Apollo Foard both finished top 10 in Chemistry. The team is coached by Zach Evans. The team also includes: Lily Coats, Ellie Grantcharov, Soren Larson, Caroline Madden, Meghan Monroe, Jack Riviere, Catelyn Schleyer, Colin Sprague, Annie Tomko. 

Williamsburg Elementary School Principal Dr. Julie Dye presented the Viking Leaders Award to 3rd, 4th and 5th graders who are members of the school’s Student Leadership Team led by Student Assistance Coordinator Julie Klemm, School Social Worker Kim Holstein, Learning Behavioral Specialist (LBS) Teacher Katie Alling, and LBS Teacher Kaitlyn Gabric. Dr. Dye explained that SLT members take leadership roles in a variety of areas of the school, and the following SLT members spoke to the BOE about their experiences.

GHS Principal Tom Rogers presented the Tradition of Excellence Award to the following GHS students: IHSA Boys Swimming: Three swimmers competed at the IHSA Swim Meet on Saturday, February 24th at FMC Natatorium, Westmont, IL. The team is coached by Troy Murray. The swimmers include (left to right): Brady Jordan, Wyatt Gross and Sam Ortiz who Placed 6th in 200 YD Medley Relay and 5th in 400 YD Free Relay.

GHS Principal Tom Rogers presented the Tradition of Excellence Award to the following GHS students:  

IHSA Girls Gymnastics: 2 gymnasts qualified to compete at the IHSA Gymnastics Meet on Saturday, February 17th at Palatine High School in Palatine, IL. The team is coached by Kim Hostman. Pictured: Reese Lackey and Brooke Lussnig

GHS Principal Tom Rogers presented the GHS Varsity Dance Team who placed 3rd at the IHSA State Dance Finals held at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington January 26-27, 2024 for the 14th year in a row. The varsity dance team is coached by Amy VanWagenen. The Varsity Dance Team includes (listed alphabetically) Brennan Anson, Larkin Cohrs, Avery Cook, Mila Costello, Tatem Doll, Sara Fuerst, Melanie Goodfellow, Brookelyn Graham, Annie Japlon, Emily Johnson, Ava Kerl, Lily Kott, Tea Mathias, Maisy Mocchi, Regan Pairitz and Rachael Wade.

Heartland Elementary School (HES) Principal Kimberly Hornberg presented the Viking Leaders Award to the HES Student Council students who organized, and now take care of, a portion of Keslinger Road as part of the Kane County Adopt-A-Highway program (listed in order of appearance): Principal Mrs. Hornberg, Alina Zadro, Maggie Helland, Eliseo Sida (standing back), Sophia Behrens, Kendall Harbach (standing back), Charlotte Mulcahy, Ginny Brylka, Nate Apgar (standing back), JJ Rooney, Mrs. Jessica Yonkman, Mrs. Christie Jennings.

GHS Principal Tom Rogers presented the Tradition of Excellence Award at the January 8 Board of Education meeting to two GHS swimmers who competed in the IHSA State Swim Meet on Saturday, November 11 at FMC Natatorium in Westmont. The team, coached by Nick Parry, placed 12th overall. Amelia Murphy placed 6th in the 200 YD Freestyle and 7th in the 400 YD Free Relay and Claire Conklin placed 7th in the 400 YD Free Relay, 12th in the 50 YD Freestyle and 15th in the 100 YD Freestyle.