Peacock Middle >

Blue Ribbon school has red-letter day
By Justin Kmitch Daily Herald Staff Writer
Posted on November 14, 2000

A select group of Peacock Middle officials and students stood in anticipation Tuesday, looking toward the sky. Waiting, wondering when he was going to get there and how long he was going to stay.

No, they weren't waiting for Santa Claus. Instead they were awaiting the arrival of Gov. George Ryan in his helicopter, who was visiting Peacock "to see firsthand what this Blue Ribbon school is all about."

Earlier this year, Peacock Middle became the second public middle school in DuPage County ever to be named to the U.S. Department of Education's coveted Blue Ribbon school list.

State school officials named the Itasca Elementary District 10 Middle, along with nine other schools in Illinois, as award recipients.

"It's a really cool feeling that the governor came to our school and recognized us," sixth-grader Laura Boeche said. "It shows that he cares about what we're doing."

Once inside, Ryan and his entourage toured the school's new Video Broadcast Studio and the governor filmed a segment for the school's first television show to be aired when the studio is complete.

"This is quite a setup you children have here," Ryan remarked as he left the studio. "It's impressive to see the children work the technology."

Following his Peacock television debut Ryan told a gymnasium full of parents, students and teachers they should all be proud of their accomplishment.

"Parents, it is your strong support and children, it is your willingness to learn that made this happen," Ryan said. "It is my pleasure to get to speak to such a devoted group."

Ryan said he was impressed with the school and its facilities.

"It is quite a beautiful school," Ryan said. "And I'm honored to be here."

Ryan also presented Principal Reinhard Nickisch with a proclamation that Nov. 13, 2000 officially be F.E. Peacock Day in Illinois, in recognition of their award.

The Blue Ribbon Award recognizes middle schools and high schools that show high standards of excellence in all areas - from curriculum to school environment.

Source: http://www.dailyherald.com/search/main_story.asp?intID=3684451

Itasca sours on Ryan after brushoff on road widening
By Justin Kmitch Daily Herald Staff Writer
Posted on November 14, 2000

Itasca residents were holding out hope Monday that Gov. George Ryan would help them in their current battle against the state's transportation department.

They hoped Ryan would travel through town, drive on Irving Park Road and support them in their fight against the state's $5 million to $7.5 million proposal to widen 1.4 miles of Irving Park Road to five lanes through the town.

"But we should have known better," Itasca Mayor Gigi Gruber said.

Instead, Ryan flew to Itasca by helicopter, avoided the road altogether and declined to support Itasca's position. He did, however, promise to look at the road "when I fly over it on my way out."

"I'm familiar with the situation out here, but that's an IDOT project so I am waiting to see their final report before I state my position," Ryan said.

"Itasca is well represented by (Rep. Lee) Daniels in the House and (Sen. James "Pate") Philip in the Senate so I'm sure they are doing everything they can for the people they represent."

Daniels wholeheartedly supports Itasca's desire to keep the road at two or three lanes, while Philip said he is waiting for IDOT to make its final recommendation before he decides which plan to support.

Gruber, who has regularly faxed information to the governor's office seeking his support, said she was disappointed with Ryan's reaction to Irving Park Road questions Monday.

"Ryan had an opportunity to fly in and be a hero with the people of Itasca, but he blew it," Gruber said. "I don't understand how he could just blow off 8,000 residents looking for his support."

Ryan said he had not seen Gruber's paper trail, but knows it exists.

"I believe all of that paperwork is being handled and reviewed by my staff people," Ryan said.

Gruber said she hopes the governor will come back to Itasca one day and spend some time traveling on Irving Park Road before he decides not to support the town's cause.

"But by the time he gets back up this way, the road may already be five lanes and he can just land his helicopter there," Gruber said. "But I hope that's not the case."

Source: http://www.dailyherald.com/search/main_story.asp?intID=3684450