JTHS Salute to Service Recognizes JJC, Employee Contributions

Joliet Junior College and several of its employees were among those recognized for various initiatives and individual contributions at Joliet Township High School’s Salute to Service Partnership Recognition on May 7.

The ceremony honored local businesses, organizations and individuals for their service throughout the community.

View Photos from Salute to Service

JJC was recognized as a higher education partner. JTHS noted the college’s support of its teachers with professional development and its students with dual credit opportunities, scholarships, and more.  

“The partnerships with have with Joliet Township High School and all of our K-12 partners are so critical,” Dr. Judy Mitchell, JJC president, said. “We serve our communities best when we work together to support innovation and educational success.”   

JTHS also partners with JJC’s Fire Science program, through which students learn relevant fire science and emergency medical services skills. Associate Professor of EMS/Fire Science Audrey Finkel is the instructor for the JTHS program.

Additionally, Joliet Central and Joliet Junior College have collaborated to offer the Joliet Central High School Talent Search (TRIO) program. Over 500 students from disadvantaged backgrounds participate, receiving academic, career, and financial support. JJC partners include TRIO Director DeAndre Butler, Educational Talent Search Coordinator Latrice Bradshaw, outreach specialists Jailen Jones and Kandis Wright, and Clerk Abbie Saltzman.

Four JJC employees were recognized as job shadowing partners. JTHS collaborates with over 100 local businesses to provide job shadowing opportunities throughout the year and during Job Shadowing Days. JJC participants are Bev Cavanaugh; Early Childhood Center manager; Dytra Randall, culinary arts secretary; Susan Stockwell, event coordinator and scheduler; and Curt Ward, technical professor.

Three JJC employees serve as mentors through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties Mentor 2.0. Kelly Rohder-Tonelli, executive director of communications and marketing; Amanda Quin, assistant director of institutional advancement; and Kandis Wright were thanked for building strong relationships with their mentees.

Rohder-Tonelli was also recognized for her involvement as an Alpha Omega graduation panel judge and for her help at the Zonta Club Joliet Career Exploration Night.

JTHS thanked its curriculum partner participants for volunteering their time in the classroom for panel discussions and during career fairs to share real-world insight with its students. Maria Anna Rafac, architecture, engineering and construction management professor; and Jim Coleman, technical professor, were recognized for their roles in the Freshman Academy and STEM curricula, respectively.

Patricia Osborne; institutional advancement finance and scholarship manager, was recognized for the financial support the college provides for JTHS students.

Employer Relations Coordinator Patrick Hall is among six external stakeholders that sit on the JTHS Work-Based Learning Advisory Board. The board meets semi-annually to review the continuation of work-based learning programs offered to students.

For Transition Center Partnerships, Culinary Arts Professor Fred Ferrara was honored for his role in providing comprehensive curriculum to students with disabilities. These partners offer unique, real-world opportunities that foster independence and social skill development.

The highest honor at The Salute to Service Partnership Recognition is the prestigious Superintendent Medallion. JTHS presents the award for extensive service, dedication, and/or financial contributions. Jen Howard was one of two Medallion recipients. Howard, ’84, is president of the JJC Foundation and local owner of frozen yogurt chain TCBY.

For media inquiries, contact Communications and Media Coordinator Scott Harvey at 815-280-2844 or sharvey@jjc.edu.