summit-hill-junior-high-school-frankfort-161

Summit Hill 161 Honors Teacher and Communications Specialist

December 3, 2025/
Spread the love

Frankfort School District 161 Meeting | November 19, 2025

Article Summary: Summit Hill School District 161 celebrated two of its dedicated staff members on Wednesday, presenting the November Summit Award to first-grade teacher Kristy Balta and recognizing Public Relations Specialist Marianne Ryan for winning three state-level communications awards.

Staff Recognition Key Points:

  • Kristy Balta, a 24-year veteran of the district, received the Summit Award after being nominated by appreciative parents.

  • Marianne Ryan earned three awards from the Illinois School Public Relations Association (INSPRA) for writing, photography, and the district’s community newsletter.

  • The recognitions highlight excellence in both classroom instruction and district-wide communication.

Frankfort School District 161 took time during its meeting on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, to celebrate the achievements of two staff members for their contributions to students and the community.

First-grade teacher Kristy Balta of Dr. Julian Rogus School was named the November Summit Award winner. Balta, who has taught in the district for 24 years, was nominated by parents Amy and Chad Trueblood. In their nomination, they praised her for transforming their daughter’s attitude toward school. “She changed our daughter’s perception of school and has curated her passion for learning,” they wrote. Administrators also lauded Balta as “the glue that holds a building together.”

The board also recognized Marianne Ryan, the district’s Public Relations Specialist, for her recent success at the Illinois School Public Relations Association (INSPRA) Communications Contest. Ryan received three awards for her work:

  • Award of Excellence: In the writing category for a story about an Eagle Scout project at Dr. Julian Rogus School.

  • Award of Merit: In the photography category for her “Graduation Day Vibes” photo.

  • Honorable Mention: In the newsletter category for “Engage 161,” the district’s community newsletter.

“We have come a long way in the development of a public relations program and social media presence attributable to the efforts of Marianne Ryan,” said an administrator.

Community Events

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

WCO-Finance-Aug-5.2

Improved Vendor Service Creates $1.2 Million Shortfall in Sheriff’s Medical Budget

ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Will County Sheriff’s Office is facing a more than $1.2 million shortfall in its budget for inmate medical services, a problem officials attribute to an ironic cause:...
WCO-PZ-Aug-5.1

Will County Public Works Committee Unveils 25-Year Transportation Plan, Projects $258 Million Gap

ARTICLE SUMMARY: Will County officials have presented "Our Way Forward 2050," a new long-range transportation plan that provides a 25-year vision for infrastructure projects while forecasting a $258 million shortfall in...
WCO-Public-Safety.4

Will County Animal Protection Services Seeks New Facility Amid “Gaping Wound” of Space Crisis

Article Summary: Will County Animal Protection Services is seeking approval for a new facility, telling a county committee that its current building is critically inadequate for housing animals, leading to...
WCO-Cap-Imp-8.5.2

Board Confronts Animal Services Crowding, Explores Future Facility Options

ARTICLE SUMMARY: Will County officials are grappling with an ongoing animal housing crisis that has overwhelmed the county’s Animal Protective Services facility, prompting discussions about expansion, new construction, or even repurposing...
WCO-Finance-Aug-5.3

Will County Board Members Demand Transparency in Cannabis Tax Fund Allocation

ARTICLE SUMMARY: A debate over transparency and process erupted at the Will County Board’s Finance Committee meeting regarding the distribution of local cannabis tax revenue. Board members called for more...
WCO-PZ-Aug-5.2

Homer Glenn Residents Push Back on 143rd Street Widening as Officials Signal “Tentative Agreement”

ARTICLE SUMMARY: A Homer Glenn farm owner voiced strong opposition to the planned widening of 143rd Street during a county meeting, while committee members indicated a "tentative agreement" is in the...
WCO-LEG-8.5.1

Will County Forges 2026 Federal Agenda Amid D.C. Policy Shifts, ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Impacts

ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Will County Board's Legislative Committee is reshaping its federal priorities for 2026, adding new language on environmental justice and LGBTQIA+ rights while creating a more transparent process for...
WCO-Public-Safety.3

Health Department Seeks $1 Million Levy Increase to Prevent “Weakened System”

Article Summary: The Will County Health Department is asking for a $1 million increase to its property tax levy to save 11 critical jobs that are at risk as post-pandemic...
WCO-Cap-Imp-8.5.3

County Rolls Out New “OneMeeting” Software to Improve Public Access

ARTICLE SUMMARY: Will County has officially launched a new agenda and meeting management software called "OneMeeting," aimed at improving transparency and making it easier for the public and officials to access...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee for August 5, 2025

The Will County Board’s Finance Committee confronted major budget challenges during its Tuesday meeting, led by a stark presentation from the Will County Health Department. Health officials are requesting an...
WCO-PZ-8.12.2

Will County PZC Approves Rezoning for Truck Repair Facility on Manhattan Road Amid Resident Concerns

Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-2 to rezone nearly 14 acres in Joliet Township for a truck repair facility. The approval came after a neighboring...
WCO-PZ-Aug-5.3

Key Stretch of Bell Road on Track for Thanksgiving Reopening, Committee Approves Additional Funds

ARTICLE SUMMARY Construction on Bell Road between 159th and 151st Streets is scheduled to have all lanes open by Thanksgiving, officials announced as the Public Works & Transportation Committee approved a...
WCO-LEG-8.5.2

Will County Leglislative Committee Opposes Federal Push for Heavier, Longer Trucks

ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Will County Board's Legislative Committee unanimously passed a resolution opposing any federal legislation that would increase the size and weight limits for commercial trucks on national roadways. Will...
WCO-Public-Safety.2

Will County Reports Progress in Opioid Fight, Highlights New FDA Labeling Rules

Article Summary: Will County is seeing a reduction in opioid overdose deaths and is expanding access to the reversal drug Narcan, health officials reported. The department also drew attention to...
WCO-Cap-Imp-8.5.4

In-House Staff Completes Major Renovations at Will County Adult Detention Facility

ARTICLE SUMMARY: Maintenance staff at the Will County Adult Detention Facility recently completed extensive renovations in-house, including a new control center and the full restoration of a 48-cell housing unit, saving...