If you ask her students, Debra Ward-Mitchell is a complete blessing.

The Illinois Education Association recently honored the longtime educator at Thornton and Thornridge high schools as its Education Support Professional of the Year.

The impact she’s made in 37 years is immeasurable.

“Oh my goodness, Ms. Mitchell is a complete blessing in my life,” said Elois Allen, one of her former students whose two young sons are now under Ward-Mitchell’s guidance. “I can depend on her for everything. At first as a stay-at-home mom I was not used to them going into school and day care, but she made that the easiest transition I could’ve asked for. Her support throughout the pandemic has been amazing. She’s an amazing person.”

SaCora Williams, who recently completed her master’s degree program and is now working as a clinical social worker, will never forget meeting Ward-Mitchell a little over nine years ago when Williams was just in her freshman year of high school. The impact of that relationship can be seen in the way Williams now serves others.

“She took me under her wing through a program called Stepping Into Womanhood where she exposed me to education around safe relationships, college and professional women that I could hope to become,” Williams said. “She is a passionate and genuine person who has reached down to help other young women climb as they journey.”

As Williams pays it forward in helping others today she won’t ever forget what Ward-Mitchell selflessly provided for her.

“Because of her mentorship, I graduated in the top students of my class and went on to pursue my bachelor’s degree with the confidence that I was worthy of all the success that came my way,” Williams said. “Her impact helped me to become the confident professional I am today.”

Paula Walker, a counselor with District 205, has known Ward-Mitchell for 25 years, so she’s seen firsthand the countless times and ways she’s been able to impact lives.

“Every time I think of her I think about how she’s always doing something,” Walker said. “She’s the type of person that just never sits, even with this pandemic when you could just sit and time stands still and you pause, she wanted to get in the game because she knows she can be successful at all times making other people’s lives better. That’s just who she is. She never sits down, never gives in, never gives up.”

Nathaniel Cunningham Jr., superintendent for District 205, cited the African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” while describing Ward-Mitchell’s contributions to helping others.

“She’s a big part of our village and she’s been doing it for a long time,” he said. “She’s one of those people that is always there for other people and we appreciate her and everything she does for the district and all the kids.”

Ward-Mitchell has nearly 40 years of experience shared during her time at Thornton and Thornridge high schools, serving students and families in District 205.

Today she is the director of the Infant Care Center at Thornton, where she’s been especially busy over the past 16 months due to the pandemic, providing as much support as possible to those entrusted to her care, often calling the families to check up on them regularly and even taking the time to send cards of encouragement.

Within her community, she has spent almost 20 years as the program manager for a summer youth program. At her church, she volunteers as a coach of basketball, cheerleading and track and takes the initiative of sponsoring field trips and activities for the youth of the community.

“Not only has she worked here for 37 years, but she’s a Thornridge graduate and not long after she graduated she came right back here,” Cunningham said. “She’s been here helping the community every way she could, and when you’re going through tough times she’s there for you and she’s there for the kids in the community.”

C.R. Walker is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.