Thirteen educators from Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary District 181 have been recognized with the 2026 Those Who Excel award from the Illinois State Board of Education.
The awards are presented in six areas: classroom teachers, early career educators (1-4 years of teaching experience), school administrators, student support personnel, educational service personnel, and community volunteers.
There are three award categories:
Jessica Brady, a fourth grade teacher at Oak School, and Christopher Reid, pupil service administrator at Elm and Madison Schools, received the Award of Excellence. For this most prestigious honor of the Those Who Excel awards, recipients have demonstrated a significant commitment to equity and student success, regularly collaborate to create positive school cultures and serve as lifelong learners who inspire the broader community, according to the ISBE.
The Award of Meritorious Service goes to experienced educators who have gone above and beyond in their service, taking on leadership roles that uplift the culture of learning and becoming integral members of their districts.
In District 181, Prospect School principal Kristin Cummings, assistant superintendent of student services Erica Ekstrom, Elm School reading specialist Mary Jo Guzaldo, assistant superintendent of human resources Gina Herrmann, Clarendon Hills Middle School speech language pathologist Yvonne Honings, Madison School fourth grade teacher Melonie Jackson, pupil service administrator Michelle Nugent and Elm School speech language pathologist Cassie Soofi earned this award.
The ISBE also has an Award of Special Recognition, which goes to valued members of the school community who are recognized by colleagues, students, and families for the unique skills and passions they bring to their roles.
Hinsdale Middle School instructional assistant Mary Black, Clarendon Hills Middle School teacher Lisa Brough and Hinsdale Middle School resource teacher Mallory Roman received this recognition.
The ISBE has sponsored the Those Who Excel program to honor educators who have made significant contributions to the state’s public and non-public elementary and secondary schools since 1970.
