Illinois Teacher of the Year leads State Fair parade
By Jane Donahue For The Beacon-News August 9, 2012 5:14PM
Josh Stumpenhorst, a sixth-grade teacher at Lincoln Junior High, is among nine finalists for the 2011-2012 Illinois Teacher of the Year Award. Jane Donahue/For Sun-Times Media/Naperville Sun 20110921 Wednesday, Naperville
Updated: November 30, 2012 11:00AM
This year’s Illinois Teacher of the Year Josh Stumpenhorst, of Oswego, made his debut as a grand marshal last week during the Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade in Springfield.
“The Illinois State Fair is family fun for everyone,” said Amy Bliefnick, State Fair manager. “But, along with the fun comes a great opportunity to learn, and the fair strives to both entertain and educate its visitors. Our grand marshals embody this spirit and were chosen to represent the teachers throughout Illinois who challenge and inspire our youth every day.”
Stumpenhorst, a sixth-grade language arts and social science teacher at Lincoln Junior High School in Naperville, has had a busy summer since being named Teacher of the Year because of a variety of speaking engagements.
“As for the grand marshal, of course, I am honored and think it will be a good time,” Stumpenhorst said. “(Unfortunately), as I will be driving straight from a speaking engagement, my family will not be able attend.”
They will have to plan another day to attend the annual fair that runs through Aug. 19. Visit www.illinoisstatefair.info to learn more about the fair.
