Pinckneyville chamber honors greatness at annual banquet
The Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce celebrated success stories in the community at its annual banquet Saturday.
The Pinckneyville Chamber Business of the Year is the Pinckneyville Ambulance Service. Dedicated to their profession and the communities they serve, this group is an incredible asset to our community. Established in 1976 the Pinckneyville Ambulance Service began by serving the Pinckneyville area and has since added locations in Du Quoin and Willisville. The Service employs 40+ full and part-time employees with eight ambulance units in total. From office personnel keeping up to date with insurance, to paramedics continually working to stay updated on training, this is truly a well-run business and we appreciate the hard work and dedication of the supervisors and staff.
The Person of the Year is Duane White. When many of us think of our local Boy Scout Troop Duane is one of the people we reference in making such a significant volunteer impact to this group, as well as to our community.
As phrased by the letter of nomination, "Many parents find time to help out while their own children are involved in a group, but Duane has continued his efforts long beyond the experience of his own children." Our community is truly appreciative of the volunteer efforts of Mr. White.
Last but certainly not least, the Educator of the Year is Mrs. Charlotte Pestka, third Grade teacher at St. Bruno School. Currently in her 18th year of teaching at St. Bruno (33rd year total), Mrs. Pestka is truly dedicated to the students she teaches.
"She has shown tremendous dedication to our students; patiently showing them proper behavior and a discipline approach to learning. She shows students a very calm way of handling stressful situations and guides them to the solution," says Principal Keith Senior in his letter of recommendation.
After teaching in a certain manner for so many years, some teachers find it difficult to adapt to constant technological advances and incorporating them into their classroom learning environment. Rising to the challenge Mrs. Pestka has welcomed the idea of integrating technology into her classroom - an effort truly appreciated by her students.
Mrs. Pestka is also the coach of the Speech team at St. Bruno.
"She is one of our teachers who have helped create this atmosphere in our school of open communication where our students are not afraid to express their feelings and thoughts," continues Principal Senior. Congratulations to Mrs. Pestka as we recognize her as the 2013 Educator of the Year.