OfficeMax, 203 to honor educational innovators

Malee Ruth, math teacher and math department coordinator at Kennedy Junior High, was named District 203's first NEF/OfficeMax Teacher Innovator for the school year.

For the fourth year in a row, OfficeMax, in partnership with the Naperville Education Foundation of Naperville School District 203, will be honoring innovative educators who encourage creativity, innovation and excellence in the classroom.

Working together, they have developed the OfficeMax Teacher Innovator Program to recognize these educators, who ensure students are learning the curriculum, while providing their students with the tools to help them become lifelong learners and leaders.

A different educator is selected monthly, October through April, with one honoree recognized as Teacher Innovator of the Year. Monthly recipients' schools are awarded a digital camera and color photo printer, provided by Hewlett Packard, and $400 in gift certificates, provided by OfficeMax. Each honored educator's name is inscribed on a plaque and they, along with their school, receive recognition for their outstanding achievements within the classroom and the community.

"OfficeMax has a long-standing history of supporting students, teachers and schools," said Bill Bonner, senior director of external media relations for OfficeMax. "We know that teachers are extremely resourceful and want to draw attention to the successes that come from those passionate innovators who make a difference in children's lives."

Any student, parent, colleague or community member may nominate a District 203 educator by visiting one of the area OfficeMax store locations and filling out an online nomination form. OfficeMax stores are at 790 Royal St. George Drive in Naperville; 4338 Fox Valley Center in Aurora; 153 N. Weber Road in Bolingbrook; and 7250 Woodward Ave. in Woodridge.

Online nomination forms are also available via the Naperville Education Foundation pages at www.naperville203.org .

-- Submitted by OfficeMax