BEST SCHOOLTEACHER Erica Filipiak Wilcox Elementary School Anyone who teaches kids automatically has our respect. How they deal with the rambunctious behavior of other peoples’ kids all day is simply a wonder. Erica Filipiak, a fourthgrade teacher at Wilcox Elementary School in Springfield, seems to handle it well, earning her the title of “best schoolteacher” this year. “I’ve always just enjoyed school, believe it or not,” Filipiak says. “It has always come easily for me, so I really like being able to help people that it doesn’t come as easily for.” She says her goal is to make her students feel comfortable and successful. “I want to show them a little bit of success and fun so they’ll feel like they can do well and go on to be good students.”

Bob Nesbit, who teaches health at Springfield High School, was runner-up by only four votes. He has taught for 27 years in District 186, saying, “The part of education that’s important is making it interesting. I have a passion for coaching and teaching, and I think if you have that passion, you’re able to pass that on to the kids.” Runner-up: Bob Nesbit, Springfield High School

MOST INTERESTING RESTROOMS Stella Blue 221 S 5th St., 789-8988 Every establishment has restrooms, but not every place makes their restrooms into a statement. Stella Blue was voted to have the “most interesting restrooms” this year, but they’re more than just interesting – they are works of art. From the custom glass sinks made by Ed Martin of Martin Fine Arts to the iconic painting of a blazing sun on the wall, the restrooms at Stella Blue actually create an atmosphere instead of just housing a toilet. The design of the restrooms has changed over time, but every design continues the sleek and modern aesthetic established outside the restrooms. The restrooms are really just the finishing touches.