Prairie Hill/ Willowbrook Middle School  teacher reflects on  34 year career while entering retirement

By Marianne Mueller

Marcie Ball  began teaching in August of 1992. Ball  taught 17 years at Prairie Hill and 17 years at Willowbrook, all 34 years in the same district.

“Jack Finlen was the one who hired me. I was also fortunate enough to have done my student teaching under Deb Norris at Prairie Hill, “Marcie Ball said.

Ball reflects, “PHSD#133 Prairie Hill was the Blue Devils and when they built Willowbrook, it was changed to the Wolverines.”

Ball  was hired to teach 2nd grade. “I remained in 2nd grade for eight  years. I then joined Greg Thorpe in Physical Education and Health. 

When I was student teaching at Prairie Hill, I helped start the volleyball program in 1991 helping Denise Hodowanic,” Ball said. 

While at both schools Ball  was a  mentor and then the mentoring coordinator helping new hires. All new hires were given a mentor to help navigate through their first two years of teaching. 

Ball also co-coordinated the Renaissance Program celebrating kids with good attendance, grades, and behavior. 

Ball said,“We would have monthly activities for students that qualified along with end of year field trips to Six Flags and Urban Air. 

Ball helped with the Baking Club where students learned to read recipes, measure ingredients, and make sweet treats. 

For staff, she  led the Sunshine Club. Staff members who needed a little‘ Sunshine’ were given some and each staff member was celebrated sometime during the school year. Staff received treats, gift cards, and other fun items. 

Ball oversaw  the “Gift of Nothing” for over 20 years where the school gave Christmas gifts or money to families in need. 

In 200I, Ball went back to school to earn her masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction from National Lewis. “During my teaching career I also completed another 40 credit hours,” Ball said.

Ball  has been married to her  husband Jeff for 31 years. They  have two children together. Leah who’s married to husband Tony Lewandowski, and a son Logan. 

Ball reflects, “I was blessed to be surrounded by some amazing educators.

 So many OG Prairie Hill teachers helped me, guided me, nurtured me. For that I’m grateful!

When I was young, and just starting out, they all  taught me lessons about how to be a successful teacher. Watching and learning from them was a game changer. I learned something valuable from each one of them that helped me through my years.”

Ball adds, “I loved my job! I worked with wonderful staff, amazing kids, and great families. 

Over the years I was able to have many opportunities to attend a variety of field trips such as Upham Woods, Springfield, Chicago museums, plays/musicals, and two that are previously mentioned. 

Ball attended and worked the home games several years for volleyball and basketball.

“I tried to make meaningful connections with students and staff. Many considered me to be like the ‘ mom’ of the school.”

“Even though I love what I do and the kids, I feel it’s time for me to enjoy other hobbies in my life. 

My husband and I have a place in the Dells and plan on spending more time there now that we are both retired. I will be volunteering at my church and hopefully in the future more volunteer opportunities to help the community.” 

A party was held for Ball and her colleague, teacher Michelle Mathewson on May 21 at Willowbrook Middle School. 

A photo of Ball and Mathewson sat on a gift table. Memorabilia was on display, with many memories being shared. A nice spread of food filled tables. 

Ball said, “My retirement gift from the school was a beautiful handmade quilt by Jill Dixon. It is made from my t-shirts throughout the years. It’s something I will truly treasure. I had both her boys back when I taught 2nd grade. 

When I got married, she made me a quilt from squares that my class created. I can’t thank everyone enough for all the amazing things they did for my retirement. “

Jacqui Thompson and Kelli Houghton threw a Mrs. Ball Spirit Week. “ I was spoiled by the kids, " Ball said. 

Each day was a different theme, each a testament  to Ball’s time as a teacher.  These themes included P.E. Strong, Bring the Sunshine, Together we Rise, Slay Queen, and Bakers Gonna Bake. 

The  retirement open house for Ball and  Mathewson was headed up by Kris DalSanto, Julie Mattlig, Allison Keller, and Danielle Vanek who created a fun slide show for us. 

“I feel truly blessed, spoiled, and grateful for everything that was done for me,” Ball said.

Former Administration and staff members share sentiments.

Jack Finlen  said,” I am proud of Marcy. I witnessed Marcy grow from a young beginning teacher to a very dedicated educator, making a difference in each student's lives. Marcy was very committed to each student's success. She had high expectations, but nothing that was not attainable by each student’s success.Students trusted and respected Marcy, as they knew she was a person that wanted the best for everyone. Marcy will be missed!”

Retired teacher Mike Rhines said, “Marcie has been invested in our district since her first day as a teacher. That investment- both relationally with the students and staff as well as with her time is how she was raised, and therefore a personality trait that has been ingrained into her very being. 

Our district has been blessed and fortunate to have her energy and insight for all of these years. 

In addition to her teaching the  two courses, she also established and coached our volleyball program, and  led Peer Mediation, and has been a constant at our home games while working the scoreboard, along with a host of other things that have never been mentioned behind the scenes.”

Bailey Mitchel said, “I had the privilege of working alongside Marcie from August 2019 through May 2025, but my connection with her goes back much further.”

“Marcie was actually my PE teacher when I was in elementary and middle school. Never in a million years did I ever imagine that after graduating from college that I would return to work beside her as a C0-teacher in physical education. 

If it weren’t for Marcie, her mentorship, guidance, and the countless lessons she taught me, I truly don’t think I would have become the teacher I was. She taught me so much more than how to teach PE and Health. She taught me patience, creativity, and compassion. She had a way of making everyone around her feel valued, supported, and capable.

Marcie was my work mom in every sense of the word. She knew everything about me, celebrated my successes, helped me through challenges, and was always a shoulder to cry on when I needed one. She was often the first person to remind me of my strengths when I doubted myself and gave me the confidence I needed to keep going.

What made Marcie so special was her ability to create a safe space for everyone around her. Whether you were a student, colleague, friend, or parent, she made you feel heard, cared for, and important. She was truly one of a kind in the very best way.

I will always be grateful for the years I spent teaching alongside her, and she will always hold a special place in my heart. Her impact reaches far beyond the gymnasium walls, and I know I am just one of many people whose life is better because of Marcie Ball.”