Kingsley paraprofessional recognized for alumni service

D65 staff go the extra mile — in and out of the classroom! Ben Orris, a paraprofessional at Kingsley Elementary, was recently awarded this year’s Alumni Service Award from National Louis University. The award recognizes “an alumnus/a for outstanding philanthropic and/or volunteer engagement and service to National Louis University.”

Orris graduated from the university’s P.A.C.E. Program and has remained active within his alma mater’s community. His achievements include creating two major fundraisers — Creative Slam and an alumni v. student basketball game — and a mental health workshop for current P.A.C.E. students. He has been at District 65 since 2012. Way to go, Mr. Orris!