Connor Orr, from Plainfield East High School, Omer Mescioglu and Serena Sabzaali from Plainfield North High School have been named 2025 National Merit Scholars.

The three are among the 2,500 students nationwide who will receive a $2,500 scholarship.

The scholars were chosen from a pool of more than 15,000 finalists.

“These exceptional students exemplify the pursuit of academic excellence that we foster throughout District 202,” said Dr. Glenn Wood, Superintendent of Schools.

“We take immense pride in their accomplishments and are confident this prestigious honor will open new doors as they embark on their future endeavors.”

Orr, Mescioglu, and Sabzaali were named finalists in March.

In a historic first for both Plainfield North High School and the Illinois Athletic Directors Association (IADA), Athletic Director Ron Lear and Assistant Athletic Director George Sam have been named IADA Division 3 Athletic Director and Assistant Athletic Director of the Year, respectively.

“I am extremely honored to receive this award and represent Plainfield North,” said Lear, who will retire at the end of the school year.

Sam will succeed Lear as athletic director. “Being named the IADA Division 3 Assistant Athletic Director of the Year is a tremendous honor, made even more meaningful by the opportunity to share this recognition with Mr. Lear,” Sam said.

The Plainfield School District 202 Foundation for Excellence hosted a fundraising dinner on May 1, 2025, at the Bolingbrook Golf Club, to support District 202 students and staff.

The sold-out event, which serves as the Foundation’s main fundraiser, featured dinner, luxury bingo, and the induction of three alumni into the Foundation for Excellence Hall of Fame.

The Alumni Hall of Fame recipients include:

• Dr. David Diercks, Class of 1993, Science and Technology

• Robert Whitley, Class of 1962,  Community Service and Volunteerism

• Connie Gehrke Litwiller, Class of 1968, Education and Humanities

For more information about the Plainfield Foundation for Excellence or to donate, please visit: www.d202foundation.org

Evan Margalus, a Plainfield East High School senior and Wilco Area Career Center student, won a gold medal in Welding at the State SkillsUSA competition from April 24 to 26 in Peoria.

He is eligible to attend the National Leadership and Skills Conference, which will be held from June 23 through June 27 in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Core newsletter is back and hitting mailboxes this week.

You can also pick up a copy at the District Office, 15732 Howard St., or at your child's school beginning May 15.

This edition is a look at some of the highlights of the 2024-2025 school year.