Recognizing Michelle Kidd for Receiving the Robert Rosemary Blazier Memorial Award

Floor Speech

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Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michelle Kidd for receiving the Robert & Rosemary Blazier Memorial Award. She has spent more than 27 years as an educator in the community, helping prepare students academically, professionally, and personally for life beyond high school.

As a lifelong member of the McHenry County community, Michelle attended McHenry County College before completing her degree at the University of Wisconsin--Whitewater. After graduation, she began her career at Cary-Grove High School and later moved to Crystal Lake South High School, where she has served as department chair for the past 15 years.

During her tenure, she has played a pivotal role in launching the D155 Micro-Internship Program, which gives students real-world exposure to careers. For approximately 10 hours each week, students work with local business partners in fields such as accounting, welding, machining, and hospitality. In the 2025-2026 school year, 196 students participated in the program, along with an additional 33 students in the summer program.

Her vision for hands-on learning opportunities has resulted in valuable experience for students and job placements immediately after high school, benefiting students, local businesses, and the broader community. She has also consistently worked to improve the work-study curriculum to better reflect evolving workforce needs.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent such a dedicated public servant, and I ask my colleagues to join me in acknowledging Michelle Kidd for her selfless service to the Crystal Lake community.

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