A. George Pradel was elected mayor of Naperville, Illinois in 1995 and re-elected in 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011 making him the longest-serving mayor of Naperville.  A former Naperville Police officer and lifelong Naperville resident, Pradel is known for his many public appearances, friendly demeanor and his demonstrated enthusiasm for Naperville.

Mask designed by Joanna Bourque

“Raised in a home school setting, my love to create and learn was nurtured at a very young age.  After graduating from North Central College with a degree in Art Education, I was interested in teaching in an environment similar to what I experienced as a child. The DuPage Children’s Museum was a perfect fit! I began working as one of the museum’s educators. Traveling throughout the Chicago suburbs, I was one of the museum’s Lab R.A.T.S. (Radical Approach To the Subject), taking a radical approach to the subject with each class I taught."

“After three years of growing and learning with my DCM family, I took a job teaching in a classroom of my own.  I’ve been teaching art at Spring Brook Elementary for the past thirteen years, integrating math and science every step of the way.”

Mayor Pradel's mask took on a lot of meaning. Like myself, the mayor grew up in a large family. He is the oldest of  six children and has spent most of his life watching the city of Naperville grow and change. As I moved to Naperville and started my education at North Central college in 1995, Mr. Pradel would begin his first year as mayor. Our paths crossed many times as our passion for the city and educating it's youth ran parallel. While serving as a police officer, Mayor Pradel started the city's first Safety Town. This hands on approach to teaching safety, would earn the mayor the nickname of "Officer Friendly". I wanted this mask to represent the Mayor and his amazing service to the community. The top hat worn by the mayor on different occasions not only captures his character but also symbolizes the many "hats" worn over the years. All the symbols that adorn this playful hat have meaning. The six figures represent the mayor and his siblings. The simple tree that's found in the Naperville logo and even the scooters ridden by many children while visiting safety town, show the mayors kid friendly style. Hats off to you Mayor Pradel!