Local teacher recognized as strong Catholic woman and leader
QUINCY, Ill., (KHQA) — As the school year winds down, students and teachers look back at their year in review, one teacher is doing her final year in review at a local catholic school as she heads for retirement.
For the past 45 years, Maureen Makarewicz has dedicated her personal and professional life to St. Francis Catholic school, and on behalf of our sponsors, Peters Heating and Air Conditioning and Hilbing Autobody, I present to you our latest Hometown Hero.
Amy Wiewel is the fourth-grade teacher at St. Francis and the daughter of Maureen Makarewicz. She said her mother and co-worker embody a strong catholic woman and leader.
"She is one of the first ones to volunteer her time with all of the extra stuff that comes along with being a teacher," said Wiewel.
On Tuesday, the pre-k students celebrated their last day of school and received their diplomas, but a regular diploma pick-up wasn't enough.
Mrs. Mak, as they call her, had treats, hugs, laughs, and a picnic at the park.
But her deeds don't stop there.
"She volunteers for committees; she volunteers seasons of the year and other activities that we have. And she is also one of those people that you can go to for advice," said Wiewel.
Mrs. Mak said the award is an honor, but she is not the single hero; it's a team effort.
"Oh, that's awesome, and I feel like I wish all of my colleagues were here with me today. Because those are all heroes," said Wiewel.
Makarewicz said the past four years had brought her every emotion one could experience, but she always feels fulfilled from her duties through the ups and downs. "When you have a job you love, like teaching school, my work is easy."
Mrs. Mak inspired her daughter to follow in her footsteps and become a teacher. Her daughter says working without her hero is bittersweet.
"I'm going to miss seeing that face that's in the hall every single day and just our little chats that we have in passing or in the hall," said Wiewel.
Once again, we'd like to send our congratulations to you, Mrs. Mak, and thanks to our sponsors Peters Heating and Air and Hilbing Autobody, for making this award possible.
If you would like to nominate a Hometown Hero, click here.
