The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Irlbeck will head to new district this fall
by David Grimes for The Quill
Dean Irlbeck, superintendent of Union schools, was named Hometown Hero by the elementary school's students and staff on Friday.
The Hometown Hero program was initiated by Union Elementary School in 2001 to honor outstanding citizens from the community who give of their time and talent for the betterment of the school district.
Irlbeck will leave the district to take a similar post at Midland Community Unit School District No. 7 near Chillicothe, July 1. He served Union for 12 years.
"When the staff nominations came back this year, the choice was unanimous," UES principal Jill Colley said during the award presentation.
"Mr. Irlbeck has given countless hours to our district as superintendent since he came to Union in 1993."
Colley said Irlbeck was especially effective in seeking out financial grants and awards for the district's technology programs as well as programs that enhance teacher-to-student ratios in the classroom.
Irlbeck told students and staff that they are all capable of being hometown heroes if they choose to be.
"This is recognition of what we've all been able to accomplish together," he said.
He encouraged the students to look for opportunities to be hometown heroes in their own right.
"When you help other students by including them in activities when they might otherwise be left out, you're being a hometown hero," Irlbeck said. "Be a hero by watching out for someone else."
Union superintendent Dean Irlbeck received a plaque recognizing him for his long hours of service and time volunteering in making the Union School District a good place for students to receive an education during a special ceremony at Union Elementary School May 19. UES principal Jill Colley presented Irlbeck with the award.