In a classroom behind the stage, Northbrook Junior High School Drama Teacher David Downing has helped his students for 17 years overcome shyness, build relationships and realize their potential.
According to Northbrook District 28, Downing is being recognized with a Meritorious Service Award at the statewide Those Who Excel awards banquet on May 18.
Dowling can’t walk down the school hallways without being stopped, says Principal Scott Meek, because he connects with so many students either through drama classes, working in the TV studio with students on the morning announcements, co-facilitating the Builders Club or as the faculty director of the annual spring musical, according to a news release.
“I have not gone to work one day in District 28. Because when you love what you do, it’s not work,” Downing said in the release.
His passion for student performance and teaching style is something Music Teacher Anca Apetean recognized over the past eight years that she has been working with him on the spring musical, the release said. She nominated him for the Illinois State Board of Education Those Who Excel recognition program.
For Downing, the release said, teaching drama is literally in his blood. “My father was a drama teacher. I grew up watching him and there wasn’t anything else I wanted to do.”
Meek joins in recognizing Mr. Downing’s accomplishments. “David is a person who clearly represents the core values of our school community. He is extremely skilled in the area of performing arts, and he is even more skilled at establishing positive, supportive relationships with the people around him,” Meek said.
