is honored for lifelong dedication to the education of the young people of the Oswego community and for her contribution to the preservation of local cultural heritage. A second-grade teacher for twenty-five years, Mrs. Bednarcik has retired, but remains active in community life. Since Oswego''s Sesquicentennial celebration in 1983, when she wrote a play that highlighted the first 150 years of Oswego''s history that was performed by local volunteers, Mrs. Bednarcik has been composing and producing colorful theatrical productions that keep the citizens of Oswego aware of their historical heritage. Her creative work and dedication to her community and students has clearly influenced many young citizens in Oswego. As one former student explains: "I am a teacher today because of Mrs. Bednarcik. She made learning fun and made everyone feel important and special."
Select Illinois Humanities Council programs are now available for listening or download at Chicago Public Media (WBEZ) as a part of Chicago Amplified, a web-based audio library of diverse public events recorded throughout the Chicago region.
