Longtime Joliet District 204 foundation president honored for service

Joliet — Joliet Township High School District 204 hosted its annual Salute to Service Partnership Recognition event to recognize the hundreds of “individuals and organizations who contributed to the continued success of JTHS students in 2025.”

The event was held April 10 at the Renaissance Center in downtown Joliet and recognized community volunteers, educators, elected officials, donors and local nonprofit leaders, according to District 204.

“At JTHS, we believe it truly takes a village,” Superintendent Karla Guseman said at the ceremony. “This year, we extended invitations to over 700 community partners – and we’re so grateful for the dedication and support that is provided to our students, schools, staff and community through these partnerships that are truly invaluable. Thank you for being a part of our village. It is because of you that we can provide extraordinary opportunities for the young people of Joliet.”

Many JTHS students participated in the event, with the Joliet West Jazz Band providing music and the JROTC students presenting the colors and performing the national anthem.

The biggest honor of the night was the presentation of the 2025 Superintendent’s Medallions, which this year went to JTHS Foundation President Mark Turk, Will County Center for Economic Development President and CEO Doug Pryor, and Will County CED Vice President of External Affairs Kayla Sorensen for their leadership of the CED’s Summer Internship Program.

Turk, a 1960 graduate of Joliet Central, was acknowledged for “nearly three decades of service, leadership and philanthropy.”

Turk has served as the foundation president for 29 years, during which time he has organized countless fundraisers to provide scholarships, classroom grants and new educational programs for students and teachers, according to District 204.

“Mark Turk embodies the very spirit of servant leadership,” Guseman said in a news release from the district. “His tireless dedication to our students and his vision for a better future through education have shaped the foundation into a cornerstone of support for our schools. His work has directly impacted, and continues to impact, countless students and families across generations. Mark is not only a leader; he is a legacy-builder.”

In addition to his work at the foundation, Turk has volunteered with the Joliet Noon Lions Club, Lightways Hospice and the Joliet Jewish Congregation.

The Will County CED Internship Program, which was created last year, was recognized for its success in providing paid internships to JTHS students.

According to District 204, the program has continued to grow in its second year, expanding to neighboring districts and connecting more than 140 students with opportunities with 25 local employers.

“Kayla and Doug’s leadership has bridged the gap between education and industry,” Guseman said. “Their program is a model of how we can truly impact the future of our students by providing real-world experience, mentorship and access to careers right here in our community.”