Class of 1982 – Distinguished Individual

A 1982 graduate of Olympia High School, Karen (Miller) Graber was involved in numerous activities.  She was a member of Speech Team (Mark Swartz Speech Award; State Finalist), Reader’s Theatre (All District Cast & All Sectional Cast 1981 & 1982; State 1981), Madrigals, Swing Choir, Student Bank Board, Showcase, Musicals (1982 Lead- Hello Dolly), Student Council, Pep Club (President 1982), Speech & Drama Club (President 1982), Spanish Club, Chorus (President 1982), Students Helping Exceptional Students (President 1981 & 1982), and AFS Club.  After high school, Karen attended Illinois State University and received her Bachelors of Art degree in 1986; she earned her Masters Degree in 1993.  She has dedicated her life to the Olympia School District and she has been highly involved in various organizations.  She has been a Featured Speaker at Illinois ASCD Pre-K/Kindergarten Conference (11 years), Ten Year National Presenter for B.E.R., Head Teacher at Olympia West Elementary, SILT Member, K-12 Council, Steering Committee (8 years), Olympia West PTO (officer), Volleyball Coach (McLean/Waynesville-7 years), Speech Team Coach (3 years), and Madrigals Officer.  Karen has also been awarded with the IASCD Diamond Jubilee Outstanding Educational Leader Award, Outstanding Service to Children Award, and she was Nominated for Disney Teacher of the Year.  During Karen’s time as a student at Olympia High School and as a teacher at Olympia West Elementary, she made an everlasting impression on the Olympia School District and she impacted many Olympia graduates along the way.