The Village of Gurnee recognized the Teacher of the Year and Staff Member of the Year recipients on May 4 - River Trail's Mrs. Betsy Sincora and Ms. Miriam Yaquian.
Mrs. Betsy Sincora has dedicated 24 years to District 56 as a kindergarten and 1st grade teacher, spending 23 of those years at Gurnee Grade School and River Trail School. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to early childhood education, laying strong academic and social foundations for her students. Her classroom is known for being a nurturing, engaging environment where our youngest students feel supported, challenged, and inspired to grow. Mrs. Sincora’s passion for teaching and her deep understanding of child development have made her a trusted and respected educator among students, families, and colleagues alike.
Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Sincora is a leader within River Trail School and in District 56. She has mentored three colleagues, helping to guide and support the next generation of educators. Her involvement in multiple committees, including ELA, Math, School Improvement, PBIS, the social committee, and the District Behavior Committee, shows her dedication to continuous improvement and collaboration. Over the past 24 years, Mrs. Sincora has made an incredible and lasting impact on hundreds of children, shaping not only their academic growth but also their confidence, curiosity, and love of learning. Her influence extends far beyond her classroom, leaving a legacy that will be felt for years to come.
This is the second year that the Village of Gurnee has introduced a new category to honor the vital contributions of our support staff with the Gurnee Support Staff of the Year award.
We are proud to announce that Ms. Miriam Yaquian, also from River Trail, is the Gurnee Support Staff of the Year.
Ms. Miriam Yaquian has served as a dedicated Special Education Teacher Assistant at River Trail School for the past six years. During that time, she has become an important part of our school community, known for her commitment to students and staff alike. Currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, Ms. Yaquian continues to grow professionally and will take the next step in her journey as a student teacher at River Trail this fall. Her passion for education and her drive to support all learners are evident in everything she does.
Colleagues describe Ms. Yaquian as an exceptional bilingual educator and one of the most valuable members of the staff, often sharing that they don’t know what they would do without her. She plays a critical role in supporting communication with Spanish-speaking families, translating important information during IEP meetings with clarity, confidence, and care, while also building trust and strong relationships with families. In addition to her outstanding communication skills, she is remarkable with students, providing targeted support in small groups, assisting seamlessly in general education classrooms, and fostering a calm, positive learning environment. Flexible, reliable, and resourceful, Ms. Yaquian consistently steps in wherever she is needed, approaching every task with professionalism and heart. Her positive attitude and strong work ethic make a meaningful impact each day, and her contributions are deeply valued across the entire school community.
Congratulations Mrs. Sincora & Ms. Yaquian!