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Schools

Geneva High School's Sophia Michalek Wins Chicago Bears' 'Heroes in the Classroom' Award

Surprise! GHS physical education teacher gets visit from Bears' George McCaskey, tickets to a Bears game and a handsome check for winning Symetra's "Heroes in the Classroom" award.

Two tickets to a Chicago Bears game, complimentary parking, access to the field on game day. A check for $1,000 to be used for classroom books and supplies. A personal visit from Chicago Bears Chairman of the Board George McCaskey, and scores of students, friends and family cheering you on at a surprise assembly.

All of that is wonderful stuff.

But being recognized for your work in teaching is, to borrow from the lexicon of pop-culture advertising ... priceless.

Find out what's happening in Genevawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Geneva physical education teacher Sophia Michalek received what might have been the surprise of her life Monday morning in the Mack Olson Gym at Geneva High School, where McCaskey presented her with the Symetra Heroes in the Classroom award.

Heroes in the Classroom is a community program that "recognizes local area school teachers throughout the Bears football season for demonstrating exemplary leadership and instructional skills."

Find out what's happening in Genevawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Michalek is a physical education teacher and cross country and track coach at Geneva High School.

She was selected based on her "ability to balance the core curriculum with students' individual needs; build trust among students, parents and the community; and invest in their students' long-term success."

Also presenting the award was Scott R, Baldwin, area senior vice president of Gallagher Benefit Services. The Heroes program honors 16 teachers throughout the season in their schools and on-field during Bears home games.

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