2021 Awards

Excellence in Education Awards

The Excellence in Education Awards were created to recognize the invaluable contributions of staff in Crete-Monee School District 201-U. In 2018, a committee comprised of board members, administrators, and staff came together to explore how to acknowledge our employees. Through surveys and discussions, they learned that most staff members felt the greatest pride at being recognized by their peers and colleagues who they respect. Moreover, the committee determined that the awards should not simply focus on teaching but on all the integral roles that help ensure student success.

The Excellence in Education Award criteria celebrate innovation, dedication, positive work ethic, collaboration, leadership, and a solid commitment to improving students' lives. Staff members are nominated by their colleagues, and a panel of judges (teachers, paraprofessionals, support staff, and administrators) evaluates the submissions to determine award winners.

"Over the past year, the pandemic has presented schools with serious and unprecedented challenges. Still, we are incredibly proud that our teachers and staff continue to strive to connect, educate, and support our students and each other," said Dr. Coglianese. This month, the superintendent was joined by the assistant superintendent of Teaching & Learning, and a school board member, hand-delivered all 14 awards to the 2021 recipients and personally thank them for their service. Enjoy the photos and video clips below!

Special Thanks to the Recognition Committee: Justin Anderson, Christina Griffin, Amanda Douma, Dr. Nakia Hall, Jennifer Dugan, Monica Kolosh, Jennifer Gasbarro, Lyle Neal, Amy Gilliam, Raven Roberts, Heather Godbout, and Ingrid Stevens.

Support Staff of the Year Award - Krystle Schmitt

Support Staff of the Year Ward
Krystal Schmitt

Support Staff of the Year Award - Krystle Schmitt (center), is joined by Jeanine Galbraith, board member; Supt. Coglianese; Ghantel Perkins, Asst. Supt. of Teaching & Learning; and Eric Bertram, Director of IT. View video clip

Excellence in Teaching - Joanna Groth

Excellence in Teaching Award
Joanna Groth

Excellence in Teaching - Joanna Groth (center), is joined by Ghantel Perkins, Asst. Supt. of Teaching & Learning; Jeanine Galbraith, board member; Supt. Coglianese; and Kelly Chesta, ELC Director. View video clip

Paraprofessional of the Year Award - Heather Hassan

Paraprofessional of the Year Award
Heather Hassan

Paraprofessional of the Year Award - Heather Hassan (2nd from right), is joined by Jeanine Galbraith, board member; Ghantel Perkins, Asst. Supt. of Teaching & Learning; Brian Wortel, Monee Education Center (MEC) Director; Supt. Coglianese; and Eric Bertram, and Judy Pappas, Supervisor of Instruction and Special Education Services. View video clip

Paraprofessional of the Year - Christine Coluzzi

Paraprofessional of the Year
Christine Coluzzi

Paraprofessional of the Year - Christine Coluzzi (center), is joined by Dr. Amos Vaughn, Monee Elementary principal; Sherice Smith, award nominator; Supt. Coglianese; Ghantel Perkins, Asst. Supt. of Teaching & Learning; and Jeanine Galbraith, board member. View video clip

Paraprofessional of the Year Award - Angel Misters

Paraprofessional of the Year Award
Angel Misters

Paraprofessional of the Year Award - Angel Misters (2nd from right), is joined by Jeanine Galbraith, board member; Supt. Coglianese; Ghantel Perkins, Asst. Supt. of Teaching & Learning; and Dr. Amos Vaughn, Monee Elementary principal. View video clip

Support Staff of the Year Award - Marsha Krug

Support Staff of the Year Award
Marsha Krug


Support Staff of the Year Award - Marsha Krug (center), is joined by Jeanine Galbraith, board member; Supt. Coglianese; Kokona Chrisos, Crete-Monee Middle School (CMMS) principal; and Ray Lawrence, Asst. Principal (8th grade). View video clip

Student Services Person of the Year - Nicole Persic

Student Services Person of the Year
Nicole Persic

Student Services Person of the Year - Nicole Persic (2nd from right), is joined by Tricia Sons, award nominator; Jeanine Galbraith, board member; Raven Roberts, Crete Elementary assistant principal, Supt. Coglianese; Erin Lane, Crete Elementary principal; and Ghantel Perkins, Asst. Supt. of Teaching & Learning. View video clip

Paraprofessional of the Year Award - Lynn Sawallisch

Paraprofessional of the Year Award
Lynn Sawallisch

Paraprofessional of the Year Award - Lynn Sawallisch (center) is joined by Ghantel Perkins, Asst. Supt. of Teaching & Learning; Supt. Coglianese; Jeanine Galbraith, board member; and Kelly Chesta, Early Learning Center (ELC) Director. View video clip

Support Staff of the Year Award - Donna Shafroth-Bilo

Support Staff of the Year Award
Donna Shafroth-Bilo

Support Staff of the Year Award - Donna Shafroth-Bilo (center) is joined by Jeanine Galbraith, board member; Pamela Pansa, Director of Food Service; Supt. Coglianese; Brian Wortel, Monee Education Center (MEC) Director, Gracie (MEC Therapy Dog); and Judy Pappas, Supervisor of Instruction and Special Education Services. View video clip

Distinguished Leadership Award - Nancy Bye

Distinguished Leadership Award
Nancy Bye

Distinguished Leadership Award - Nancy Bye (2nd from right) is joined by Ghantel Perkins, Asst. Supt. of Teaching & Learning; Jeanine Galbraith, board member; Supt. Coglianese; and Brian Wortel, Monee Education Center (MEC) Director. View video clip

Support Staff of the Year Award - Renee Lopez

Support Staff of the Year Award
Renee Lopez

Support Staff of the Year Award - Renee Lopez (center) is joined by Jeanine Galbraith, board member; Supt. Coglianese; Ghantel Perkins, Asst. Supt. of Teaching & Learning, and Dr. Amos Vaughn, Monee Elementary principal. View video clip

Student Services Person of the Year - Tasha Williams

Student Services Person of the Year
Tasha Williams

Student Services Person of the Year - Tasha Williams (center) is joined by Ghantel Perkins, Asst. Supt. of Teaching & Learning; Jeanine Galbraith, board member; Supt. Coglianese; Kokona Chrisos, Crete-Monee Middle School (CMMS) principal; and Ray Lawrence, Asst. Principal (8th grade). View video clip

Champion of Education Award - Elizabeth Crawford

Champion of Education Award
Elizabeth Crawford

Champion of Education Award - Elizabeth Crawford (center) is congratulated by Myetta Ali, Coretta Scott King assistant principal, and Ghantel Perkins, Asst. Supt. of Teaching & Learning. View video clip

Excellence in Teaching Award - Jennifer Sullivan

Excellence in Teaching Award
Jennifer Sullivan

Excellence in Teaching Award - Jennifer Sullivan (center) is congratulated by Jeanine Galbraith, board member; Ghantel Perkins, Asst. Supt. of Teaching & Learning; Supt. Coglianese; Suzanne DeHahn, award nominator; Raven Roberts, Crete Elementary assistant principal; and Erin Lane, Crete Elementary principal. View video clip

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