Althoff Receives Recognition as "Rising Star"

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Published on May 4 2017 6:38 pm
Last Updated on May 5 2017 8:58 am
Written by Greg Sapp

Effingham Junior High School teacher Lee Althoff has been honored as a "Rising Star" in education.

The award came from the College of Education and Professional Studies at Eastern Illinois University and was presented at the college's alumni awards recognition reception.

(LEE ALTHOFF)

Althoff received the award for the program known as "Perfect Pals" where adults with disabilities are paired with high school students. He is boys tennis coach at Effingham High School in addition to his teaching duties at the junior high school. He said he grabbed some of his tennis players who needed some community service hours and took them with him to meet some of the adults with disabilities and relationships have developed.

The name "Perfect Pals" is designed to show that the relationships are beneficial both for the adults and the students involved.

In addition, Althoff's high school soccer squad includes a player with disabilities who is an active member of the team, participating in practices as well as game situations.

Here's Greg Sapp's interview with Lee Althoff...