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When Band Directors Jamie Zimniok and Keri Stone conducted side by side for the Winter Concert Wednesday night at Northbrook Junior High, it represented a homecoming and a milestone.
Ms. Zimniok was leading her students for the first time in the same gym she had performed in as a junior high student flute player under Ms. Stone’s direction.
Ms. Zimniok said Ms. Stone has always been her role model, following her footsteps and attending the same colleges as her and maintaining contact during her 13 years teaching in Park Ridge. “There has always been emails going back and forth on band stuff and sharing resources,” she said. So when a position opened up due to retirement, she decided to apply.
“This has always been a dream job in my mind. I think Northbrook is a great place to raise a family and I feel lucky to have my own kids in District 28 now,” Ms. Zimniok said.
It was a proud moment for Ms. Stone, too, who announced their connection to the families attending the concert.
“I’ve loved staying in touch with Jamie over the years,” Ms. Stone said.
“As I approach the end of my career, it’s heartwarming and deeply meaningful to come full circle and work and partner with Jamie. Jamie is a wonderfully joyful spirit and adds energy to our department and for our students. I’m privileged to have taught her, to have known her, and to now work beside her and call her a friend.”
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