October Newsletter

It’s hard to believe we’re already into October! As both a D95 parent and the Foundation’s Executive Director, this is one of those times of year when I’m reminded just how much is happening across our schools. Between fall sports, activities, Homecoming, PTO events, and everything else that fills our family calendars, our schools really do feel like the center of our community.

It’s also an exciting time at the Foundation. Our fall grant cycle is underway, which means D95 teachers and staff are dreaming up new ways to engage and inspire their students—and we can’t wait to see their ideas! We recently had the opportunity to celebrate some remarkable D95 graduates at the Distinguished Alumni Reception, and we’re excited to welcome a wonderful new Trustee, Delia Bastick, to our Board.

And there’s plenty of fun ahead! Harlem Wizards tickets are still available, and I especially love that this year’s event brings the Foundation together with all eight D95 PTOs, with proceeds benefiting both the Foundation and our individual schools. We’re also starting to look ahead to February, when we’ll celebrate the Foundation’s 20th anniversary with our Roaring 20s Gala!

Finally, I want to extend a special thank you to our 2026–2027 Community Partners. These local businesses and organizations have made a meaningful investment in our students, educators, and schools, and we are incredibly grateful for their support. We’re excited to recognize them in this month’s newsletter—and we’d love to welcome even more businesses from our community to join them.

There is so much to celebrate in D95 right now, and I’m incredibly grateful to be part of a community that continues to show up for our students, teachers, and schools. I hope to see many of you at the Wizards game—and at plenty of other D95 events this fall!

In partnership,

Tessa Zevallos

Executive Director

District 95 Educational Foundation

foundation@lz95.org

Get ready for a night of basketball, laughs, and D95 community fun! Tickets are still available for our Harlem Wizards game, bringing the Wizards back to take on a team of your favorite D95 teachers and staff.

Best of all, this is truly a district-wide fundraiser: proceeds are shared between the D95 Educational Foundation and all eight D95 PTOs, so your ticket supports students across our entire community.

Grab your tickets and join us!

EVENT DETAILS:

• Thursday, October 29
• 6:30pm Game (Doors Open at 5:30pm)
• Lake Zurich High School Field House
• $20 for Students & $25 for General Public (Prices Increase Day of Event)
• $35 for Reserved Seating & $50 for VIP Courtside+ Tickets (Limited Availability)

We are incredibly grateful to our 2026–2027 D95 Foundation Community Partners for investing in our students, educators, and schools. Their year-round support helps the Foundation fund innovative programs and opportunities across District 95.

Want to join them? We’d love to welcome more local businesses and organizations as Community Partners! Learn more about how your business can support D95 students while connecting with families throughout our community.

Have a great idea for your classroom? The D95 Educational Foundation is now accepting applications for our fall grant cycle! We love helping our teachers and staff bring creative, innovative ideas to life that enhance learning experiences for D95 students. Applications are due November 1, so don't miss your chance to turn a great idea into reality!

We’re excited to welcome Delia Bastick to the D95 Educational Foundation Board of Trustees!

Delia brings 15 years of experience in clinical research, leading teams and managing clinical trials across all phases of development. A D95 parent, Delia has two young children, including a first grader at May Whitney. She is excited to get more involved in the district and give back to the community where her children will spend so many important years.

Outside of work and family, Delia loves soccer, running, spending time with her dogs, and teaching fitness classes at Life Time.

Welcome to the Foundation, Delia!

We were proud to sponsor this year’s Distinguished Alumni Reception during the Homecoming football game, celebrating outstanding LZHS alumni and the lasting impact of a District 95 education. Congratulations again to our 2026 Distinguished Alumni: Michelle Clemens, Jonathan Corral, Kristine Jennings Burgess, Andy Migacz, Dan Migacz, and Richard Slonski.

A few of our Foundation Trustees even had a chance to catch up with a very familiar Bear!

Save the Date! We’re celebrating 20 years of the D95 Educational Foundation—and we’re doing it in Roaring 20s style! Join us February 27 for an unforgettable evening celebrating two decades of impact in District 95. More details coming soon!

Joseph Janicki, President

Azure Smith, Treasurer

Andy Spetter, Vice President of Grants & Initiatives

Olga Golumbovski, Vice President of Communications

Willy Borkowski, Secretary

Deacon John Sfire, Trustee

Ashley Scott Trustee

Vas Russis, Trustee

Feliks Kravets, Trustee

Delia Bastick, Trustee

Dr. Kelley Gallt, Superintendent