Modeling Excellence through Education was the theme for the fourth annual Community Dinner at the Prayer Center of Orland Park. Sheikh Kifah Mustapha, Imam and Director, welcomed the audience and spoke about the role of education in the quality of citizenship. Mayor Keith Pekau of Orland Park spoke about the services the village provides for schools for better education. Dr. Gay, the Superintendent of Orland Park School District 230, spoke about establishments of the district. Keynote speaker Habib Quadri, of MCC School of Morton Grove, spoke about challenges Muslim students and immigrant students face in public schools. Nina Shoman Dajani and Sawsan Jaber, both educators, introduced the the Prayer Center’s newly established “Educational Outreach Committee” that will provide services and training about religious, cultural and language backgrounds of the Arab and Muslim communities to educators. Finally,  Tara Kotheimer, Science teacher from Carl Sandburg High School, was honored as the very special teacher of the year.