On February 11, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) announced nearly 450 educators across the state who were recognized for their contributions to education through the annual Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards. These awards highlight individuals whose work has made a difference in school communities throughout Illinois.
State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders said, “Illinois educators show up for students every day with commitment, creativity, and care. The 2026 Those Who Excel awardees and Teacher of the Year Cohort represent the very best of our profession. Their work strengthens school communities and helps ensure students feel supported, valued, and inspired. Congratulations to each of this year’s honorees — we are grateful for the difference you make in the lives of students across Illinois.”
Seven staff members from Mokena School District 159 were among those honored. Award recipients were recognized at three levels: Award of Excellence, Award of Meritorious Service, and Award of Special Recognition.
Rebecca Cheney, music teacher at Mokena Junior High School, received an Award of Special Recognition as a classroom teacher. She was noted for her support of music education and her efforts to engage all students in learning instruments such as African drums and ukuleles.
Lisa Fiene, instructional coach at Mokena Elementary School and Mokena Intermediate School, earned an Award of Meritorious Service for student support personnel. She was commended for her leadership in curriculum development and her impact on student growth through instructional support.
Erin Kelly, kindergarten teacher at Mokena Elementary School, was given an Award of Meritorious Service as an early career educator. Ms. Kelly was recognized for her skills in early literacy instruction and differentiated teaching practices that led to high achievement among her students.
Stacey Lavelle, special education program coordinator for the district, received an Award of Special Recognition as an administrator. She was acknowledged for her leadership in inclusion initiatives and oversight of special education programs.
Danielle Swabowski, paraprofessional at Mokena Junior High School, also received an Award of Special Recognition for educational service personnel due to her dedication supporting both academic and social-emotional needs among students.
Candy Williams, building and health office aide at Mokena Elementary School, earned an Award of Special Recognition as educational service personnel. Her daily interactions were highlighted as contributing positively to student well-being and school culture.
Sharon Youngblood, instructional coach at both elementary schools in the district, received an Award of Special Recognition for student support personnel based on her commitment to individualized instruction and professional development within the district.
Mokena SD 159 Superintendent Robert Gurney stated: “We are tremendously excited to honor the work of these staff members. Their contributions along with the work of their teammates and fellow educators is wonderful to see on a day-to-day basis. We are thankful everyday that we get a chance to work with such an amazing team here in Mokena School District 159.”
The district’s award winners will be honored at ISBE’s annual banquet in April.
Mokena School District 159 serves Will County through its elementary schools—Mokena Elementary School, Mokena Intermediate School—and Mokena Junior High School https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/. The district enrolled about 1,531 students during the 2019-2020 school year https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/, serving grades pre-kindergarten through eighth grade in Will County https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/. The teaching staff includes 97 teachers with an average salary just over $61,800; most are women https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/. The district’s student population is predominantly White but includes Black (2.7 percent), Hispanic (7.7 percent), and Asian (2.1 percent) students https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/. In terms of spending per pupil during 2020 it spent $23,197 per student https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/. Chronic truancy rates remain below state averages with only three percent classified as chronically truant compared to a statewide rate nearing ten percent https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.
Further information about these awards can be found at https://isbe.net/TWETOY.
