When the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) honors this year’s most outstanding educators of the Those Who Excel Awards at a ceremony on Oct. 22, Kate Foster, a Proviso West High School college and career counselor, will be among those honored.
Foster will accept commendation in the form of an Award of Recognition in the Student Support Personnel category, joining others at the ISBE’s annual Those Who Excel Awards Banquet in Normal. Foster recently earned praise from both District 209 superintendent Jesse Rodriguez and Proviso West Principal Oscar Hawthorne.
"(Survey) results indicate students were helped significantly by Mrs. Foster's hands-on method of college placement,” Hawthorne said. “Many … would not have registered for college if it had not been for this organized and direct approach."
School officials also said Foster has not only provided outstanding college planning and counseling, but also has been instrumental in substantially increasing scholarship funding for graduates, nearly doubling the amount awarded in just two years.
"My first priority is to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and supported as they explore their options after high school, and I try to do so with creativity and warmth," Foster said. “Our students are amazing, and I really enjoy taking this journey with them. I greatly appreciate the nomination and share it with the counseling team at Proviso West."
Located in Hillside, Proviso West serves over 2,700 students within Proviso Township High Schools District 209.
Alerts Sign-up