Illinois Valley Times

Nominated by students, LaSalle-Peru Township High School (LPHS) District 120 instructor Scott Lauer and staffer Tim Tomminello received the Renaissance Tireless and Staff awards, respectively, in recognition of their outstanding work during the past semester.

Students select faculty and staff members whom they believe have gone “above and beyond daily to provide students with an environment that encourages and supports excellence,” the school district said in awarding them “traveling trophies.”

"He is an excellent teacher who goes above and beyond on a daily basis to make sure kids are having a good day and learning, is always willing to help and stay as long as needed, and has positively impacted my life," one student wrote about Lauer, who teaches business.

Lauer completed a bachelor’s in business administration from Lakeland College in Sheboygan, Wisconsin; returned to the Illinois Valley to start a career in manufacturing; and then earned his degree in business education from Illinois State prior to joining LPHS in 2001.

"He is always in a good mood and he does so much for this school," a student said of Tomminello, who performs maintenance. "He begins his day here before any other students or teachers are here, and he stays until we are gone."

LaSalle-Peru Township High School District 120 serves students who reside in LaSalle, Peru, Oglesby, Tonica and Dimmick.