Callaghan named District 140 superintendent

The Kirby School District 140 School Board hired veteran educator Daniel F. Callaghan as its next superintendent of Schools. The decision was unanimous.

District 140 includes two middle schools and five elementary schools and serves more than 3,400 students in Tinley Park, Orland Hills and Orland Park.

“As someone who grew up in this area and attended D140 schools, I have an incredible amount of pride, loyalty, and investment in this community,” Callaghan said.

Currently the director of Curriculum and Instruction, Callaghan has worked in the district as a teacher and administrator for 19 years, developing educational programs and services, and dealing with building operations, financial planning, communications and technology integration. He has also served on several districtwide committees aimed at enhancing instruction, improving student engagement, and providing professional development and training.

Group assembles food for ‘Blessing Boxes’

Residents at Grace Point Place, an Anthem Memory Care community in Oak Lawn, recently gathered in an effort to help combat food insecurity. The group filled boxes with nonperishable goods to give to First United Methodist Church of Oak Lawn for their mini-pantry program. The Blessing Boxes are stand-alone pantries in the community providing food for those who may need it during difficult times.

“Our seniors felt a great sense of purpose while filling these boxes for those in need,” said Shannon Dahlman, community relations director for Grace Point Place. “Having dementia doesn’t mean that they can’t help others and give back to the community.”

Memorial planned for Evergreen Park teacher and coach

The family and friends of John George, a longtime teacher and coach at Evergreen Park Community High School, are planning a memorial in his honor at 11 a.m. July 9 at First United Methodist Church at 9358 S. Homan Ave., Evergreen Park.

George, who taught biology and coached wrestling and cross country at EPCHS, died June 3, 2020, during the early months of the coronavirus pandemic and a large, in-person memorial service was not possible.

A member of the first EPCHS Hall of Fame class in 2008, George was a teacher, coach, administrator and dean at the school from 1957 to 1993. He was a wrestling coach for 20 years, and won 235 dual meets and coached 28 state qualifiers and two state champions.

He also was a trustee for the village of Evergreen Park from 1979-1987.

His coaching success earned him a spot in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Illinois Chapter in 2002.

—Paul Eisenberg

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