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Health & Fitness

School District 146 Adds Another Honoree to Wall of Fame

School District 146 has added an honoree to the Wall of Fame.  With a large number of guests in attendance, Mrs. Virginia “Ginny” Koepel’s plaque was placed among past honorees during the February 11th School Board meeting.  Many of those guests were Mrs. Koepel’s family members, all there to honor her memory.  Mrs. Koepel’s husband, Bob, her children and their spouses, grandchildren, and many friends, were all present for the dedication. 

Mrs. Koepel was a beloved math teacher at Memorial for over 20 years.  She was hired as a classroom teacher at Memorial in August 1988, where she inspired learning in the 5th grade students, before moving into the position of Gifted Facilitator (O.R.E.) years later.  She took on many roles within the District mentoring new teachers, leading the Earth Day celebration, Science Fair, and Chess Club. She was extremely involved with the D146 Math Challenge. 

Mrs. Nancy Schwab D146 Curriculum Director said, “Ginny was amazing both as a person and an educator. Everyone loved her very much, but the work she did with students, we knew, needed to be honored. As a team we decided to name an award after her that correlated to the Math Challenge for which Ginny was so deeply invested. The Virginia Koepel Math Award is a prestigious award given to students that participate in the Math Challenge eight years straight. It takes a truly dedicated student to receive this honor.” 

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She was known for her intuitive teaching abilities, nurturing ways and her general kindness for her students, their families and her colleagues.  

Dr. Jeff Stawick, Superintendent of D146 said, “When the nomination came in for Ginny, it did not surprise me. She was so loved by everyone that knew her. She is one of those people that left a wonderful imprint on those that met her. Her colleagues all agree that she is so very deserving of this honor.” 

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Mrs. Schwab said that the plaque's inscription beautifully summed up what Mrs. Koepel meant to District 146. It reads: Ginny Koepel inspired students to fall in love with learning, have high expectations of themselves, and to always ask the question “Why?”

Mrs. Kasper, a Gifted Facilitator at Fierke Education Center, had this to say about her longtime friend, “Ginny was a consummate professional.  She was recognized for her passion and commitment to teaching with a “New Teacher” award in her very first year of teaching.  She was a leader and well respected colleague.  She took a leadership role in the development of all aspects of our curriculum, especially science and math.  When the district decided to put full time Gifted Facilitators into each building, Ginny was chosen to be Memorial’s.  She brought her knowledge and passion for learning to help shape the learning experiences for our most talented learners.  She was the Math Challenge.  It was her idea and her commitment to children and mathematics that made the Math Challenge what it is today.  That is why we honor her every year by presenting certain students with the award named for her.”

Mrs. Kasper continued, “Ginny was a true leader.  She was a wonderful, caring and compassionate woman.  I keep a picture of her and me on my mirror at home as a constant reminder of her and the strength I drew from having a friend like Ginny.  I miss her dearly.” 

Mrs. Koepel worked for the District through July 2010 when she retired due to a long illness.  Mrs. Koepel passed away shortly after retirement in February 2011.

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