We are beyond thrilled to announce that Center Cass continues its tradition of excellence with several outstanding individuals receiving top honors at the prestigious ISBE Those Who Excel Awards.
A special congratulations to Kim Pace , representing TEAM 66, who has earned the ISBE Award of Excellence in the Community Volunteer Category—the highest honor of Those Who Excel. This achievement is particularly extraordinary as Kim is one of only two recipients in the entire state to receive this prestigious award. Her dedication to serving our community has set a remarkable standard, and we could not be prouder of her contributions.
This marks the fourth consecutive year that our district has produced a "Top Honors" recipient—an accomplishment that speaks volumes about the incredible people within our community.
In addition to Kim’s remarkable achievement, we are proud to celebrate three more exceptional individuals who have earned Meritorious Recognition awards:
Lisa Brown – One of the top 10 in the state in her category Educational Service Personnel.
Teagan Halik – One of the top 13 in the state in her category of Early Career Educator.
Jeff Trinco – One of the top 50 Classroom Teachers recognized in the state.
Each of these honorees has demonstrated outstanding commitment and passion for education, enriching the lives of students and colleagues alike.
We also extend our congratulations to two more who have received who have received Special Recognition for their invaluable contributions to our schools:
Carrie Fitzgerald – One of 36 Student Support Personnel recognized statewide.
Katie Johnson – One of 40 School Administrators recognized statewide.
Their dedication to fostering a strong, supportive educational environment has not gone unnoticed, and we are grateful for their tireless efforts.
Once again, Center Cass will be well-represented at the annual Those Who Excel event in Bloomington-Normal. With over 100,000 teachers and 10,000 administrators in Illinois, achieving recognition at the state level is a truly remarkable accomplishment. When our educators and staff rank among the top in the state, it is a testament to their hard work, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
This success is also a reflection of the incredible support within our district. The encouragement, collaboration, and recognition shared among colleagues through letters and online portfolios play a crucial role in uplifting one another’s achievements. Let’s continue to support and celebrate each other!
Congratulations to all of our Those Who Excel Nominees and Winners! Your dedication and excellence continue to inspire and impact the lives of countless students. We are incredibly proud!