It’s all about professional excellence, community service and building leadership skills. And Thursday, Dr.Genevra Walters was named the 2019 Athena Award winner. The Kankakee District 111 School Superintendent was recognized at the Leading Ladies Luncheon at the Kankakee Country Club. CSL Behring presented the program.

Dr. Walters is a home-grown product. A believer in education, she’s climbed that ladder to show positive thinking brings good results………

"It makes feel good that people recognize what we try to do ... I really believe people are good and we want to push that good in the community," Walters said.
 
The ATHENA Leadership Award is presented to an individual who is honored for professional excellence, community involvement and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.

Genevra Walters grow up in school district 111. She became a school social worker and then achieved her administrative degree followed up with a human resource position in the Chicago SPEED ( a Special Ed program). She came back to Kankakee for family reasons and continues to build on pushing for the betterment of young people.

Claire Chaplinski honored as ATHENA Young Professional Award winner --

A young Kankakee attorney, Claire Chaplinski, received the 2019 ATHENA Young Professional Award.  It's presented to an individual under the age of 40 recognized as an emerging leader. The nomination pointed out that Claire demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative.

"I grew up in this area and I'm honored to give back and excited to win this honor.  I want to work with the community and take us all further," Chaplinski said.

94.1 WGFA