Jeri Delaney

SHS Teacher’s Aide
20 Years of Service

Jeri Delaney was born on June 8, 1945 in Joliet, IL. Her parents were Thomas and Beverly Allen.

Jeri went to Joliet Township High School. She graduated in 1963. After graduation, she worked at the National Bank and Trust as a Savings Teller. She remained in that position until she married.

Jeri met Pat Delaney, her future husband, on her 21 st birthday. After marriage, they moved to Champaign, IL where Pat began the Doctoral Program in Accountancy at the University of Illinois. Jeri worked as a secretary for a dean in the College of Business.

Colleen Ann Delaney was born on August 17th, 1968. Jeri left her job to become a full-time mom. In 1970, they moved to Sycamore, IL. Pat was a professor at Northern
Illinois University and Jeri worked at Henderson’s Department Store. Next, she worked for the Sycamore School District in their copy department.

An opportunity arose at Sycamore High School for a Teacher Aide position. Jeri accepted the job offer and that became one of the best decisions that she ever made. Principal Tim Carlson reflected on Jeri’s time as a
Teacher’s Aide, “She was one of the warmest, kindest human beings ever to work at Sycamore High School. She always went out of her way to help all students. She could take the toughest of students from the most difficult of backgrounds and inspire them and brighten their day. She became the one bright spot for many students who came through Sycamore High School. Her heart of gold helped turn around the lives of many students that graduated from Sycamore High School.”

When Jeri was asked to comment on receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award she said, “To be given this award is one of the highlights of my life. My greatest joys in life have been my husband Pat, my wonderful daughter and son-in-law, Colleen and Brent McConnaughay, my beautiful granddaughters Mary, Maggie, and Megan McConnaughay, and my students. I’d like to thank all of the terrific teachers and staff that I have worked with for 20 years. Also, a big thank you to the nominating committee for nominating me for the ‘2019 Distinguished Sycamore High School Staff Alumni Inductee’ Award. Last but not least, I’d like to thank the hundreds of great students I had the pleasure of knowing. It was my privilege to work with you. I firmly believe that when you show a student love and respect…they give it back to you”