Joe Mulloy, Special Education Job Coach, was awarded the Student Activity Sponsor Award by the Illinois Directors of Student Activities (IDSA) due to his kindness, inclusivity, and consistent acts of giving, Dr. Mark Maranto, Assistant Principal of Student Activities, said.
The IDSA, an organization committed to promoting student activities, presents this award to one person annually, Maranto said. Mulloy was chosen because his work gives students opportunities to participate in activities they are passionate about. Mulloy sponsors five clubs—Gamers Club, Paranormal Club, Anime Club, Bowling Club, and an ongoing trial of E-Sports Club—making him a good recipient for the IDSA award, Maranto said.
“He is such an asset to our school community,” Maranto said. “He is really focused on the club spaces that he creates being for everyone.”
In addition to having a responsive and giving personality, Mulloy helps the students in his clubs feel safe to talk about topics they may not feel comfortable sharing with many people by building relationships, Mulloy said.
“In clubs, you get to know the kids, you get to like them, and you want to care about them,” Mulloy said.
Mulloy is a very welcoming person, encouraging people to share experiences without worry of judgment, senior Amy Patton, Paranormal Club President, said. Mulloy always has fun activities planned for the club, with events ranging from going to FrightFest at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, IL to him bringing in taxidermies or animal bones, Patton said.
“Mulloy really cares about what people want to do,” Patton said. “We watch a lot of movies and he always leaves it open to club members to decide what they want to watch next.”
Mulloy is the best recipient of the IDSA award for this year because he can respond to students needs, and because of he always goes the extra mile, Maranto said. Mulloy enjoys watching students feel successful in what they are doing, he said.
“I think of my students as my kids’ friends,” Mulloy said. “You want to see them be successful, and enjoy life.”
