Joanne Rompel is a great educator and an important member of the Odyssey of the Mind Family. As an Illinois Association Director, Joanne has served many teams and handed out many awards. As an educator she has worked with thousands of students in a positive and unforgetable way.

Mayor Mark Eckert of Belleville, Illinois, recently presented the first ever "Joanne Rompel Living the Creative Life Award," and read from a proclamation outlining some of her achievements.

The proclamation read, "...Whereas, Joanne Rompel's dedication and commitment to working as an educator of young people throughout her life by teaching lasting lifetime skills such as cooperation, respect for others, and decision making, while gaining greater self confidence and increased self-esteem."

The proclamation continued by recognizing Joanne for her work as a teacher, "for her dedication and service to young people throughout the community as both a classroom educator in area schools and as an educator through Odyssey of the Mind."

Mayor Eckert also declared March 18th "Joanne Rompel Day." We congratulate and thank Joanne and all of the educators and parents who work to help the youth.