Joe Smolenski - 2024 Those Who Excel Award Recipient

The Link Elementary School community would not be complete without “Mr. Joe.” Since 2010, volunteer Joe Smolenski has been a vital part of the community, supporting kindergarten classroom projects and creating a supportive learning environment. With patience and kindness, he fosters success for students of all backgrounds, providing support in academics and beyond. Mr. Joe's adaptability and dedication make him an invaluable member of the school's Professional Learning Communities and makes it clear why he was chosen as one of Illinois State Board of Education’s Those Who Excel Award winners! #54sFinest

District 54 is the largest elementary school district in the State of Illinois. We serve about 15,000 students from birth through eighth grade in five junior high schools, 21 elementary schools and one school with children from kindergarten through eighth grade and our early learning center.