Established in 2019 by the North Berwyn Park District and its Board of Commissioners, this year (2025) marks the seventh annual presentation of the Joseph C. Vallez Award.

The purpose of creating this award was for it to be bestowed upon a community member who emulated outstanding service, exceptional leadership, visionary guidance, and dedication in improving the quality of life in the City of Berwyn.  The winner of this award will be given to an individual who exemplified those character traits.

Previous honorees have included NBPD Executive Director Joe Vallez; founding member Ann Mackin; Tom Benson of the World’s Largest Laundromat; former Illinois State Superintendent Dr. Carmen Ayala; the 96ers Motorcycle Club; and the late Nora Lauerto.

Tonight, we honor, JoAnn Kulis-Kearns Valeriano.

JoAnn’s journey to joining the Berwyn North District 98 School Board began when her son was in kindergarten—around Halloween 1987. That night, she handed him a clipboard and told him, “Say, ‘Trick or treat—will you sign my mom’s petition?’” She ended up winning that election by just five votes. And the rest, as they say, is history.

JoAnn has dedicated her life to public service. As a registered nurse, her career spanned from hospitals, elementary schools, and home visits. She was also a proud Girl Scout leader, always encouraging her troop to help others and to face challenges with courage and confidence.

In the JCV Award Nomination Application that was submitted by Dr. Michelle Smith, Superintendent of Berwyn North District 98, it was revealed that in the 100+ year history of District 98, only four board members have served more than 20 years. Of those, just one has served more than 25 years. In 2027, JoAnn will become the first person ever in District 98’s history to reach 30 years of service.

To give 30 years of volunteer service to any organization is remarkable. JoAnn has led with integrity, compassion, and unwavering dedication. It's no surprise that both of her sons have followed her example and chosen to serve the Berwyn Community as elected officials as well.

Anyone who knows JoAnn knows she will always tell you exactly what she’s thinking. The thing she is most proud of is her voice—never a rubber stamp “yes” vote, but a person of conviction, honesty, and strong advocacy.  She will always have the teacher’s back and fight for what she truly believes in.

What it will read on JoAnn’s trophy is:  “when you DREAM big, BELIEVE in your talents, and strive to ACHIEVE your highest goals and aspirations… anything is possible.”  The purpose of establishing this award was that the North Berwyn Park District Board of Commissioners wanted to make sure an individual’s contributions to the City of Berwyn will never be forgotten and where their legacy will live on for future generations to come.

It is with great pride that the North Berwyn Park District announce the winner of the “2025 Joseph C. Vallez Award,” to the longest serving school board member in the history of Berwyn North District 98, JoAnn Kulis-Kearns Valeriano.  

Congratulations and Thank You JoAnn Kulis-Kearns Valeriano!

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