Southern Illinois Educators Honor Sam Vancil for Unprecedented Career

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The Egyptian Division of the Illinois Association of School Administrators is pleased to announce the selection of Du Quoin native John "Sam" Vancil as a 2011 IASA Presidential Citation awardee. Mr. Vancil, a school board member in Sunfield and later Du Quoin for over 50 years, was nominated for the award by Dr. Gary Kelly, Superintendent of Du Quoin Community Unit School District No. 300. He received his award during a division ceremony on Wednesday, March 30, 2011.

"Sam has and continues to be a strong advocate for public education through his many years of service as a school board member," Kelly said in a written statement issued Friday. "He has devoted his life to serving his local community, and worked for many years to benefit hundreds of students. Sam is a perfect fit for a Presidential Citation."

Vancil's community leadership comes at a critical time in public education in Illinois. "Our schools are facing harder challenges every day," Kelly said, "but, working together with partners like Sam, we're strong. Countless individuals across the state work together, many times behind-the-scenes, to make a difference for students. Sam is one of the best."

The Egyptian Division of IASA, the regional branch of the statewide superintendents' association, serves district superintendents in Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Perry, Washington, Wayne, and White counties.