The Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) is pleased to announce its upcoming Celebration of Excellence, where outstanding individuals from member schools will be honored, including the prestigious 2025 Scholar Attitude Award recipients. This annual event highlights the remarkable achievements of students, coaches, officials, and contributors who embody the core values of sportsmanship, service, and excellence.
A selection panel comprising coaches, athletic directors, principals, and officials reviewed the nominations for the Scholar Attitude Award and proudly selected one exemplary student from each of the 15 IESA membership divisions for this award. To qualify, applicants must be 8th graders from member schools, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, participate in at least one IESA activity each year of their junior high career, and demonstrate outstanding citizenship.
In addition to the Scholar Attitude recipients, the Celebration of Excellence recognizes other outstanding individuals and their invaluable contributions. The event acknowledges the dedication of Performing Arts Coaches, Division Sportsmanship recipients, 20+ Year State Officials, Excellence Award winners, and Friends of the IESA. It serves as a platform to express gratitude for those who have positively influenced the lives of students within our member schools.
“This celebration allows us to spotlight this year’s honorees,” said Nicole Schaefbauer, Executive Director of IESA. “These individuals exemplify the core values of the Association, and their outstanding contributions to their teams, schools, and communities inspire us all.”
The IESA Celebration of Excellence will take place on Tuesday, April 29, at the Doubletree Hotel and Conference Center in Bloomington. This event promises to be an uplifting occasion, showcasing the achievements and friendships fostered through athletic and artistic endeavors within the IESA community.
For more information about the IESA Celebration of Excellence and a complete list of honorees, please click HERE
Named as Scholar Attitude Award Winners of 2025 are:
Division A: Larissa Zaderej, Barrington St. Anne
Division B: Molly Short, Rock Island Jordan Catholic
Division C: Savannah Jones, La Grange St. Cletus
Division D: Bryna Snow, Shorewood Holy Family
Division E: Jaxon Rzasa, Streator Northlawn
Division F: Matt Skinner, Peoria St. Mark
Division G: Evelyn Bonvallet, Herscher Limestone
Division H: Halle McClure, Lexington
Division I: Carson Graue, Lincoln Carroll Catholic
Division J: Marryn Ferguson, Bushnell-Prairie City
Division K: Avery Humphrey, Rantoul St. Malachy
Division L: Helen Barrett, Paris Mayo
Division M: Jesse Awator, Springfield Lincoln
Division N: Josie Vogt, Newton St. Thomas
Division O: Katie Fenton, Highland MS
A complete listing of prior winners is available at the following link
Division Sportsmanship Award winners of 2025 are:
A Hawthorn Middle School North
A Grayslake Middle School
A Matthews Middle School
A Lake Zurich MS North
B AlWood Middle School
C Westview Hills Middle School
C Lisle Junior High School
D Wilmington Middle School
E Wallace Grade School
F Princeville Junior High School
G Cissna Park Jr. High School
H Cornerstone Christian Academy
I Carroll Catholic School
J Southeastern JHS
K Prairieview Ogden JHS
L Okaw Valley Middle School
M Pawnee Grade School
N Altamont Grade School
O Trimpe Middle School
The 2025 20+ year officials are:
Basketball: Mike E. Hemberger
Basketball: Jerry A. McDowell
Basketball: Allen Poggenpohl
Basketball: Darrin Sortor
Baseball: Mike Wise
Baseball: John Jaggi
Volleyball: James A. Grimsley
Volleyball: Maureen Bolinger
The 2025 Performing Art Spotlight Award winners are:
Speech
IESA Distinguished Service Award: Gretchen Vance
IESA Class Act Award: Whitney Heflin
Ken Bradbury Lifetime Service Award: Roberta Neumann
Music
IESA Distinguished Service Award: RaeAnn DeSutter
The 2025 Excellence Award winners are:
Chess
Mike Zacate Lifetime Achievement Award: Betsy Zacate
IESA Distinguished Service Award: Jim Aman
Scholastic Bowl
Class A Coach Award: Brenda Searby, Champaign Next Generation
Class AA Coach Award: Dave Knoepfle, Springfield Franklin
Jack Small Distinguished Service Award: Jack Small
Friends of IESA
Distinguished Service Award: Bert Trump
Distinguished Service Award: Dru Heggen
Show Your Spirit Award
Teutopolis
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