Timothy Schlegel, a beloved member of the Sterling High School staff, has recently been nominated for the Illinois Outstanding Educator Award. From the year 1998 to 2024, Tim Schlegel has been the director of the musicals, plays, and group interpretation.
This award is given to the most hardworking and understanding members of a school community, and Schlegel is the exact depiction of that picture. Sira Gaffey, a good friend of Schlegel’s and staff member at S.H.S., shares that Schlegel “has done some amazing things for our school and theater program” and “there are so many things that people don’t realize he does.”
Last year Schlegel decided to take the initiative and suggested that Sterling High School host the state competition for drama that includes group interpretation and contest play. He planned the entire event, while also directing his own group.
Schlegel has recently taken a step back and decided to retire after his 26 years of directing at S.H.S. These few months have been a bit hard for all of the students that look up to and admire Schlegel.
Students often admired Schlegel’s enthusiasm for his work and how he inspired them. Sophomore Trinity Pankey said, “Schlegel completely changed my confidence in my performance in myself as a person.”
The relationship was as beneficial for Schlegel as it was for students.
Schlegel exclaimed, “I want students to be realistic. Not everything is going to be given to you. Enjoy what is given to you.”
This kind of mindset is a way that the kids will not be disappointed, and it teaches them that they will not always get what they want. The theater program can get competitive, and Schlegel is an educator who understands and tries to prevent this.
Schlegel has expressed that this nomination was very unexpected and being “recognized for what Sterling does for theater is a testament to everyone who has been involved for the 26 years I have been here.”
Though we don’t have the results of who was given this award, we are very proud to have a S.H.S. staff member nominated.
