Sophie Knebelkamp, a fourth grade teacher in a Lake County public school district, said that oftentimes, teachers hear a lot of complaints and other not-so-good news.
But when she was among local educators honored by students as part of a Hindu cultural organization’s recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week, she said she couldn’t help but feel the good vibes.
“I feel like oftentimes, we don’t hear good feedback, that often, we just hear the bad news,” said Knebelkamp who teaches in Hawthorn School District 73. “To hear that you’re appreciated is appreciated.”
Local students gathered with their teachers for the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh celebration of Guru Vandana, or Teacher’s Appreciation Day, May 7 at the Community Arts Center in Buffalo Grove.
The special occasion honored more than 80 teachers, with dignitaries also part of the Sunday afternoon program, including U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Highland Park.
Guru Vandana in Sanskrit means “reverence for the teacher,” according to event organizers, who explained that teachers are held in high esteem in Hindu culture and the word “Guru” is expressed with deep appreciation and respect.
“‘Guru’ in our culture is the supreme power because our existence, our development, is only through the gurus,” said Rakesh Malhotra, of Lincolnshire, founder of Five Global Values Foundation and immediate past president of the Federation of Indian Association Chicago.
In the past three years, the HSS Buffalo Grove chapter has honored more than 100 teachers, spanning six school districts and more than 15 elementary, middle and high schools in Lake and Cook County.
According to the organization, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA is a voluntary, nonprofit, socio-cultural organization that aims to develop selfless leaders in society.
Every week HSS conducts structured programs for the Lake County and Cook County areas that include yoga, songs, stories, games, team building activities, and other programs for children and adults to preserve and raise awareness of Hindu culture and heritage.
The afternoon event included refreshments and a Darshana exhibition offering educational stations and posters.
“Our communities are stronger because of our teachers,” said Schneider, who was an event speaker. “And we join today in the Guru Vandana. The honoring of our teachers is something that’s very special and we see the work they do every day, but to see the students here honoring the teachers makes us all very proud.”
New Buffalo Grove Village President Eric Smith also attended and said he was “very excited to take part in the proceedings. It was an honor and very informative.”
Smith called Buffalo Grove a diverse community “and that’s a good thing.”
“People are very involved in honoring our teachers which I think is a fantastic endeavor,” said Smith, who added that he’d like to see more it.
At the beginning of the program, candles were illuminated on stage, and there was dancing and traditions as gestures meant to honor teachers. The educators were brought on stage and matched with the student who invited them to be honored at the celebration.
At one point, the children were on their knees to show reverence for their teacher.
Emily Sturgeon, of Buffalo Grove, received a sandalwood finger point gesture by 5-year-old preschool student Advait Sivaraman, 5.
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Buffalo Grove High School Principal Jeff Wardle was among educators who received a gift bag as part of the honorarium.
“That was really neat, that was special,” Wardle said, immediately after leaving the stage. “I didn’t know what to expect but it was super special.”
Tracy Murdach, a fifth-grade teacher at Meridian Middle School in Buffalo Grove, was accompanied by colleagues. She said in her Aptakisic-Tripp School District 102, there is a culture of inclusivity and diversity, with students encouraged to share their customs, religion, heritage and experiences.
“When we get invited into their world and their cultures and actually get to be a part of an authentic ceremony, it’s very powerful because they want us to be there, they trust us, they love us enough to bring us outside of the school and bring us to their families and friends,” Murdach said.
Knebelkamp, who lives in Northbrook, said, “never in my life,” had she experienced something like this.
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer.