Hillcrest third-grader Owen Murphy's love of sports and art recently came together with award-winning impact. On May 3, a painting he created this past fall for the PTA Reflections art contest, entitled Dad and Basketball, was chosen at the state competition to advance to the National level in the Special Artist, Visual Arts category.

"Playing basketball with Dad makes me very happy. I love it!" said the note accompanying Murphy's painting. Murphy said he also loves playing basketball with his friends at school and watching sports with his family, particularly the Cubs, Blackhawks and Bears. He said he was happy with how his piece turned out, and was excited when he found out it had been selected to advance to Nationals.

Murphy's piece will be on display at the National PTA Reflections art exhibit in Washington, D.C. after being presented during the Annual National PTA Convention in Austin, Texas in June.

"We're so proud of Owen and what he has accomplished!  Our family is so thankful for the amazing support he has at school and the opportunities he's had to participate in great programs like Reflections," said Owen's mom, Whitney Murphy.

Several other District 58 artists also were honored at the state level of Reflections. Indian Trail student Megan Fogarty received an honorable mention for her Intermediate Photography submission, and Hillcrest students Gabriella DiDiana and Jada Ross received special recognition for their Special Artist, Visual Arts submissions.

May 7 marked a very special night for 58 eighth-graders in Downers Grove Grade School District 58 -- 29 from Herrick Middle School and 29 from O'Neill Middle School -- as they were honored at the annual Select 58 banquet for their citizenship and contributions to school and community.The banquet is sponsored by the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58 and hosted by Herrick Middle School.

The students and their families who attended the banquet were treated to a performance by the Downers Grove South High School Madrigal Singers. They also heard inspiring speeches by former Select 58 winners Jimmy Kruse (O'Neill alumnus) and Nick Bonanno (Herrick alumnus), who spoke about the importance of involvement, service, and making a difference. 

Select 58 contributors were Aramark, which provided dinner and beverages; Holy Cow Sports, which donated sweatshirts; Lifetouch, which donated photography services; Phillip's Flowers, which donated flowers; Scot Press, which donated printing services and plaques; Tana Williams, who provided decorations; and Cathy Oriatti, who created the Select 58 cake. This year's Select 58 judges were past and present Foundation directors Amy Kovacevic, Dr. Mark Manzi, Bruce Swanson, Stephan Upshaw, David Olsen and Laura Taylor. The planning committee included O'Neill Principal Matt Durbala, Herrick Principal Jason Lynde, Herrick secretary Ann Russ, and Foundation director Jennifer Waldorf.

Click here for the full list of this year's Select 58 winners!  

The District 58 Education Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of its new Green Apple Teacher/Staff Recognition program. As the end of the school year approaches, please consider honoring a special teacher or staff member with a gift to the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58! 

With each donation you make, a specially designed Green Apple card will be sent to the teacher or staff member you are honoring, with a special message from you. Thanks to our generous sponsor, Lemon Tree Grocer, for designing the logo for this new program.

Your Green Apple Recognition donation comes directly back to the students and staff in District 58 through our teacher grant program, which supports innovative programs in District 58 classrooms. Last year, the District 58 Education Foundation awarded more than $26,000 in grant funds to District 58 teachers!

There are two ways you can honor a teacher with a Green Apple Recognition: 

• Complete the form and pay online at  www.58foundation.org/greenapplerecognition.

• Fill out this form and mail it with a check in the amount of your chosen donation to District 58 Education Foundation, Attn: Green Apple Recognition, P.O. Box 231, Downers Grove, IL, 60515. Checks should be made payable to the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58. You can also choose to pay online directly to the Green Apple PayPal account, green.apple@58foundation.org.

All donations are tax-deductible. Thank you for supporting the District 58 Education Foundation!

The Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58, in partnership with the Tivoli Theatre, hosted a tremendously successful evening with Big Head Todd at the Tivoli April 25. The sold-out show netted more than $25,000 for the Foundation and its programs that benefit the District 58 schools.

"We are so grateful for our wonderful community partners whose sponsorship helped to make this event a success. In particular we appreciate the continued support of the Johnson family, owner of the Tivoli and Classic Cinemas chains, who once again generously donated their beautiful venue for our spring concert," said Foundation President Jay Stocki. "We also wish to thank the numerous District 58 families and staff who attended the concert in support of the Foundation and the District 58 schools."

In addition to Classic Cinemas/Tivoli Theatre, this year's event sponsors were Lemon Tree, which hosted a pre-concert dinner for the Gold VIP ticket holders; Community Bank of Downers Grove; Evelyn Jane Boutique; Charlie and Grace; and Maximum Printing and Graphics.  

All proceeds from the spring fundraiser support District 58 Education Foundation programs, which have included more than $100,000 in grants to District 58 schools over the last three years alone. The Foundation also sponsors the annual Sneak Preview for incoming seventh-graders, the Select 58 eighth-grade service awards, the Distinguished Service Awards for staff, and an annual welcome luncheon for new District 58 teachers. For more information about the District 58 Education Foundation, visit www.58foundation.org.