Courtney Eacker is a teacher at Mannheim Middle School. During the summer months, she’s a co-director at a summer enrichment program for the Maywood area. The program is run and funded by the Quinn Community Center in Maywood.
Eacker said the program must raise funds throughout the year.
Q: Where did you grow up and go to school?
A: I grew up in the Quad Cities by Iowa. I went to Northern Illinois University. I did my student teaching in the St. Charles area.
Q: When did you begin teaching at Mannheim Middle School?
A: I heard that Mannheim was looking for an English teacher. I applied and was very lucky to get the job. I’ve been there for three years.
Q: What do you like the most about teaching at Mannheim Middle School?
A: The camaraderie of the staff is so welcoming. The students are so sweet. I’ve been so lucky the last three years. The students make me laugh every day!
Q: How did you become the co-director for the summer enrichment program in Maywood?
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A: I got involved with that program through Golden Apple. I’m a Golden Apple Scholar of Illinois. Due to funding issues, they had to pull out of the program. To help counter balance them leaving, I stepped in as the co-director.
Q: What are your responsibilities?
A: I schedule teachers, and I do day-to-day activities to keep the program running well. My other co-director is Carmella. We have it running so well now. I can’t imagine either of us leaving.
Q: Why is it a good program?
A: It’s a great program for the kids of Maywood and the Proviso area. It gives students somewhere to go during the summer months.
Q: How do you raise funds?
A: I’m in charge of hosting fundraiser dinners. This year, we did it at Chipotle. Whoever purchased food and mentioned the program, 50 percent of their dinner was donated to the program. We also send out letters asking for donations. We have a GoFundMe page. We file for grants, and we really band together as an administration to get as much funds as possible to make sure this camp is free for campers.
Q: What do the children do within the program?
A: We hire teachers. They come up with different activities to do each day. One of my co-workers from Mannheim is doing enrichment skills in math. They have PE classes and art classes. There are a variety of classes they could take throughout the week.
Q: What kind of feedback have you received from the students?
A: They really love it. When they get into it and they’re enjoying the camp, you can see how much fun they’re having.
Q: Where can donations be made?
A: People can donate at quinncenter.org/donate.