Sandy Drafall, a retired school bus driver from Elgin, has been selected by the Illinois Education Association (IEA) as its 2017 Retiree of the Year.
Drafall was recognized for the honor on Thursday (3/30/17) at the annual Representative Assembly of the IEA. Some 1,200 delegates, guests and state dignitaries attended the event at the Sheraton Grand Chicago.
Drafall’s selection marks the first time a former education support professional has received the award. In years past the honor has gone to former classroom teachers and professional educators.
“Sandy Drafall is a friend and colleague who is fully deserving of this honor,” said IEA President Cinda Klickna. “She is an outstanding leader who brings passion, professionalism and dedication to everything she does. She has devoted a good portion of her life to working on behalf of students, public schools and education support professionals. We are proud to honor her as our retiree of the year.”
In making the selection, the IEA awards committee noted that since Drafall’s retirement from the transportation department in U-46 she has been a strong contributor to IEA-Retired, serving as current president of the Northern Kane County retired chapter, past vice president and on the retired council. She previously served on the IEA elections committee.
The IEA is the state’s largest organization of school employees, representing more than 135,000 members.
