Stickney names street after retired Edison School principal

By Carol McGowan

The Village of Stickney last week unanimously approved a resolution dedicating part of 42nd Street in the village to retired principal and educator, Dr. Janice Bernard.

The first sign was unveiled during the August 16 village board meeting at 42nd Street and Scoville Avenue.  A second sign will go up at 42nd Street and East Avenue once construction is done in that area.

Bernard recently retired after 34 years as principal of Lyons School District 103’s Edison School, and 48 years of overall service as an educator.

Earlier this summer, Bernard sent a letter to Edison students, staff, and families telling them that with a heavy heart, she would be retiring effective June 30.

In the letter, Bernard stated, “I have had an amazing career and tenure as a teacher and principal.  Being principal at Edison for 34 years has been a highlight of my career.”

“I was given a gift from this community to help in creating a caring, loving, and high-quality school that I will never forget.  I consider myself extremely fortunate to have served as Edison school principal in such a vibrant and supportive community; a community where education is valued as a top priority by students, teachers, and parents alike. I am blessed to have been a colleague to such an extraordinary faculty and staff.  I am humbled by the fact that Edison’s parents have entrusted their most precious “commodity” – their children – to my hands. We have grown immensely, we have built deep relationships, and we have learned alongside each other as students, staff, parents, and community partners. We have created a culture of growth that is talked about throughout Stickney and the surrounding communities. When people hear about Edison School, the reputation is full of strength, care, innovation, and SPIRIT.  As I step out of this role, I will take Edison SPIRIT with me.

“As we all know, with every beginning there is an ending. My fabulous journey here is ending.  It has been filled with expectations, joys, fantasies, and, of course, sad moments as I conclude this last chapter of my journey. I thank God for choosing to put me on this path and for a love for teaching and for finding a deep affection for trying to instill the love of learning in others.

“My passion for teaching and love for students (which motivated me to enter this noble profession to begin with) has not subsided. I look forward to a new beginning and a new journey. Please know I will miss you all!”

Bernard has a full list of accomplishments, including: 48 years in education at School District 103, Assistant Principal of Lincoln School, coached eighth-grade cheerleading, taught seventh- and eighth-grade girls physical education, member of District 103 Mathematics, Gifted and Physical Education Committees,  coached girls volleyball, basketball, softball and cheerleading, IPA Principal of the Year Community Service, Master Status in Illinois Administrative Academy, Stickney/Forest View Lions Club President 2005-2006, Stickney Township Democratic Organization, Stickney Township Healthy Families 2000 Executive Committee, American Legion Women’s Auxiliary Unit 687, Whispering Oaks Girl Scout Council Board of Directors, Catholic Council of Women St. Pius X Parich, Eucharist Minister for St. Pius X Parish.

Bernard received her Doctorate in 2012.

So as to not have overcrowding in the boardroom, there was a remote camera out on the street where a crowd gathered for the unveiling of the sign and to wave and with Dr. Bernard well.

Bernard thanked the village, and all in attendance, which included family and friends, as well as former co-workers.

Retired principal Jan Bernard and Stickney village officials.