Southwest Regional Publishing
Southwest Regional Publishing
Marilyn Clemens dedicated 35 years to shaping young minds in Alsip’s District 126, and her passion for education extended well beyond her retirement in 2002.
A lifelong advocate for learning, she came from a family of educators, including her husband, two daughters, son-in-law, and sister-in-law. Even after leaving the classroom, she remained committed to fostering the next generation of teachers through the Marilyn Clemens District 126 Teacher Education Scholarship.
“During my final school year of teaching before retiring, I thought that offering a scholarship would be a good way of giving back to children of School District 126 and share my love of teaching,” Clemens said.
She personally funds the annual $1,000 scholarship, which is awarded each spring to a Prairie Junior High School graduate who aspires to become a teacher. Now in its 24th year, the scholarship continues to reflect her dedication to the profession and her belief in the power of learning.
Throughout her career, Clemens sought innovative ways to engage students and improve instruction.
Always an innovator, she piloted the Accelerated Math program at Hazelgreen School, enhanced her science curriculum through training at the Space Academy for Teachers in Huntsville, Alabama, and mentored both student teachers and new educators.
Her influence extended well beyond her own classroom, leaving a lasting impact on District 126 and also making it difficult for her to leave.
“I enjoyed everything about teaching in District 126 so much that I continued to substitute teach there for eighteen more years,” Clemens said.
Scholarship recipients are chosen by a committee of teachers and administrators selected by Clemens. Each application is scored and reviewed before a final decision is made. The scholarship funds will be awarded in May 2025.
Clemens, who currently resides in Tinley Park, earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Chicago State University in 1967, followed by a Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling in 1971.
Her lifelong dedication to education continues to influence aspiring teachers and honor the values she upheld throughout her career.
Applications for the 2025 scholarship are available at the District 126 Administrative Office, 11900 S. Kostner in Alsip, on the Virtual Backpack of the District 126 website (www.dist126.org), and in most local high school guidance offices.
The deadline to apply for the scholarship is March 21.
For more information on how to apply or to learn more about Clemens’ legacy, call 708-389-1900.
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