Willowbrook social worker receives state award

On May 2, Willowbrook social worker Erik Engel was recognized by the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (INSPRA) during the chapter’s annual Distinguished Service Awards.

That awards program honors deserving education staff and supporters of local school districts for their efforts to support public education throughout Illinois and for enhancing the image of public education. Engel was selected by a panel of judges as an Award of Merit recipient in the Faculty/Certified Staff category. Below is the nomination write-up about Engel that was submitted.

When you meet Erik Engel, the first thing you notice is his quiet and humble demeanor. But the work Engel accomplishes as a social worker at Willowbrook speaks volumes.

Engel recognized a need to reach out to the black male students at Willowbrook, so he organized a potluck dinner and workshop for those students and their parents this past December. Engel also sponsors the Innovative Young Achieving Mens group (I.Y.A.M.), which engages black male students in positive behaviors and activities.

To reach out to low-income students at Willowbrook, Engel facilitated a community Thanksgiving potluck dinner this year. Giving back to others is a cornerstone of pride at Willowbrook, and no one embodies that value more than Engel. He sponsors the Interact Club, and members of that group give back to the community through helping at a local shelter and cleaning up area parks and creeks. One of Engel’s biggest accomplishments was directing a version of “High School Musical Jr.” this past fall that featured students with special needs from Willowbrook and its sister school, Addison Trail, along with their fellow classmates. For all of his efforts and commitment to Willowbrook, Engel received the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom award this past November. That award is a community program that recognizes 16 Chicago-area teachers during the Bears season for outstanding leadership and instructional skills, and winners are selected from hundreds of nominees.

“Engel is a true example of what it means to be a Willowbrook Warrior,” said Dan Krause, principal of Willowbrook. “The impact he has made on the school and in the lives of our students will be remembered for years to come.”