District 58 & 99 Education Grants





DOWNERS GROVE JUNIOR WOMAN'S CLUB AWARDS TEACHER GRANTS TO 22 EDUCATORS ACROSS 14 SCHOOLS

DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS – The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club (DGJWC) is thrilled to announce the recipients of its 2024 Teacher Grants. This year, DGJWC awarded 21 grants totaling $10,167 to 22 teachers from 14 schools across District 58, District 99, RISE, and Grove Preschool. These grants aim to provide innovative resources and professional development opportunities that enhance the learning experiences of local students.

“The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club is ecstatic to provide funds to the spectacular educators in our community. We are honored to have this opportunity to support our educators and students,” said Annie Sprau, Education Committee Chair for DGJWC.

Meghan Jacobson, President of DGJWC, added, “Awarding teacher grants is one of my favorite projects each year. It’s inspiring to see our teachers create out-of-the-box solutions to improve the learning environment and foster inclusivity in their classrooms.”

This year marks another successful effort to support the exceptional educators of Downers Grove. Below is the list of the 2024 Teacher Grant recipients and their projects:

Belle Aire

  • Joan Mommsen

DGN

  • Rachel Walker

Fairmount

  • Liz Stroud and Marissa Remus

Grove Preschool-Henry Puffer

  • Julia MacKerell

  • Hannah Lamprecht Mooneyham

  • Kendall Buege

Henry Puffer

  • Elizabeth Sevilla

  • Ashley Honn

Highland

  • Cathy Relias

  • Sandi Hudecek

Hillcrest

  • Kyla Walthers

Indian Trail

  • Margaret Driscoll

  • Michelle Schmidt

Kingsley

  • Jamie Krier

  • Meghan Beard

Lester

  • Sarah Pinkus

O’Neill Middle School

  • Jennifer Johnson

  • Kelly Bilotta

Pierce Downer

  • Nina Miller

RISE

  • Nina Miller (Indian Trail, Pierce Downer, Herrick)

Whittier

  • Kelly Coleman (Acrylic Browsing Bins)

  • Janet Hecht (25 Hand Drums and 50 Shakers)

Since its inception, the DGJWC Teacher Grant Program has grown in its ability to empower local educators. Over the years:

  • 2024: 21 grants awarded to 22 teachers, $10,167 budget, 39 applications

  • 2023: 18 grants awarded, $10,064 budget

  • 2022: 26 grants awarded, $10,000 budget

The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club will open applications for the next round of Teacher Grants in the fall of 2025. The organization looks forward to continuing its commitment to supporting local educators' creative and professional endeavors.

About Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club

The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club is a non-partisan, non-denominational, volunteer women’s organization dedicated to raising awareness and supporting charitable organizations, individuals in need, and the community. For more information or to learn about joining DGJWC, visit www.dgjwc.org.



Suzanne Mraz