Byline: Mary Randle
Young female athletes at West Chicago's Community High School have higher quality programs and many more opportunities today than they did 30 years ago.
An important part of that change and growth can be attributed to teacher and coach Gail George, the high school's new inductee into its Hall of Honor. The induction ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m. today at Community High School, 326 Joliet St., West Chicago. A reception will be held immediately after the ceremony.
'Gail George very much deserves this honor,' said District 94 Superintendent Lee Rieck. 'She has been a tremendous asset to Community High School and to the field of women's sports.'
During her 36 years at the high school, George made major contributions to the development of athletic programs both within the school and the conference. She was a leader in the Title IX movement that opened the door for so many young women in our area. She coached volleyball, softball, archery and bowling, and served as adviser to the Girls Athletic Association.
George also was a key participant in organizing Interscholastic Sports for Girls in the Little Seven Conference. More recently, she co-chaired a committee that developed the Wildcat Sports and Activity Council, which coordinates feeder school athletic programs.
George was named DuPage Volleyball Coach of the Year in 1981 and Daily Herald Volleyball Coach of the Year in 1985. She received the National High School Quarter Century Coaching Award in 1992 and the West Suburban High School Association for Department Chairs of Health and Physical Education Teachers of Excellence Award in 1993. She was also recognized for excellence in teaching by Senate Resolution 217.
Last year, George was inducted into the Illinois Girls Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
For details, call (630) 876-6300.
Golf outing success: Kudos to the Foundation for Educational Excellence for District 33 on the success of the group's recent golf outing. The event raised more than $6,000 to create extended learning activities for children. Wayne Kuntze won the putting contest, earning a $500 Cultural Arts scholarship for Currier Elementary School. Deann Jones of Coldwell Banker sponsored the contest. The West Chicago Middle School Jazz Band led by George Kosmach gave a great performance.