BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month
There’s a dragon flying across the wall at Clow Elementary School's Library Media Center and no one seems to mind, not even the whimsical fairy who is reading a book underneath a tree. These imaginary creatures and other colorful characters have leapt from the pages of books and into a mural that graces the wall of the LMC, thanks to the talent and enthusiasm of volunteer Joung-Kyung Cho. For her dedication and commitment, she is being recognized as the District 204 BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month. She received 22 nominations from Clow staff and community members.
“I’m grateful and surprised because I did not imagine receiving something like this,” Joung said.
Joung began volunteering in the LMC at the end of last year and assisted LMC Director Beverly Frett with creating wall displays, but after a few weeks, she wanted to offer the school much more and proposed creating a mural. After submitting designs for approval to Clow administrators, she began working on the project in December. Growing up in Seoul, South Korea, Joung graduated from the University of Seoul with a degree in art. A gifted painter, her designs for the wall of the LMC came to life under her deft brush.
For Joung, volunteering at the Clow LMC was an opportunity to make new friends in her new community and to improve her English skills, but her generosity has benefited the entire Clow community.
“It is rewarding to see all the students as well as the teachers liking and fully accepting my work, which I am also enjoying,” Joung said.
Teachers and students, including her son, who is in fifth grade at Clow, had an opportunity to see an artist at work and marveled at the mural as it unfolded. The mural is now the focal point of the LMC and celebrates reading, imagination and creativity, which will be enjoyed by children and adults for generations to come.
BMO Harris Bank is helping District 204 recognize one volunteer each month who has generously given his or her time to support District 204’s students and schools. To celebrate these outstanding volunteers, BMO Harris Bank is donating $1,000 to the volunteer's school. To nominate an outstanding volunteer, visit http://www.ipsd.org/Subpage.aspx/Volunteer.
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Joung-Kyung Cho was named District 204 BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month for March for her impressive mural designs located in the Library Media Center of Clow Elementary.
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Photo (l to r) Clow Elementary Principal Sarah Nowak, District 204 BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month recipient Joung-Kyung Cho, and BMO Harris Bank Branch Manager Nicki McIntyre![]()
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There’s a dragon flying across the wall at Clow Elementary School's Library Media Center and no one seems to mind, not even the whimsical fairy who is reading a book underneath a tree. These imaginary creatures and other colorful characters have leapt from the pages of books and into a mural that graces the wall of the LMC, thanks to the talent and enthusiasm of volunteer Joung-Kyung Cho. For her dedication and commitment, she is being recognized as the District 204 BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month. She received 22 nominations from Clow staff and community members.
“I’m grateful and surprised because I did not imagine receiving something like this,” Joung said.
Joung began volunteering in the LMC at the end of last year and assisted LMC Director Beverly Frett with creating wall displays, but after a few weeks, she wanted to offer the school much more and proposed creating a mural. After submitting designs for approval to Clow administrators, she began working on the project in December. Growing up in Seoul, South Korea, Joung graduated from the University of Seoul with a degree in art. A gifted painter, her designs for the wall of the LMC came to life under her deft brush.
For Joung, volunteering at the Clow LMC was an opportunity to make new friends in her new community and to improve her English skills, but her generosity has benefited the entire Clow community.
“It is rewarding to see all the students as well as the teachers liking and fully accepting my work, which I am also enjoying,” Joung said.
Teachers and students, including her son, who is in fifth grade at Clow, had an opportunity to see an artist at work and marveled at the mural as it unfolded. The mural is now the focal point of the LMC and celebrates reading, imagination and creativity, which will be enjoyed by children and adults for generations to come.
BMO Harris Bank is helping District 204 recognize one volunteer each month who has generously given his or her time to support District 204’s students and schools. To celebrate these outstanding volunteers, BMO Harris Bank is donating $1,000 to the volunteer's school. To nominate an outstanding volunteer, visit http://www.ipsd.org/Subpage.aspx/Volunteer.
Joung-Kyung Cho was named District 204 BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month for March for her impressive mural designs located in the Library Media Center of Clow Elementary.
Photo (l to r) Clow Elementary Principal Sarah Nowak, District 204 BMO Harris Bank Volunteer of the Month recipient Joung-Kyung Cho, and BMO Harris Bank Branch Manager Nicki McIntyre