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 2026 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 16 exemplary students, one from each of the 15 IESA membership divisions, along with one at-large honoree 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 Award 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, NFHS 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 28, 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 visit www.iesa.org/awards/celebration.asp
Named as Scholar Attitude Award Winners of 2026 are:
Division A: Braden Blackowicz, Lake Zurich North
Division B: Hailey Olson, Geneseo MS
Division C: Justin Florentino, St. Charles Thompson
Division D: Kash Kerner, South Wilmington
Division E: Elsie Hansen, Graymont
Division F: Colby Gentle, Toulon Stark County
Division G: Siena Belisle, Manteno
Division H: Lauren Strating, Lexington
Division I: Kruz Froebe, Lincoln West Lincoln-Broadwell
Division J: Lynn Hardwick, Virginia
Division K: Ashley Martin, Mahomet-Seymour
Division L: Nolan Mulvaney, Kincaid South Fork
Division M: Bailey Grifyn, Auburn JHS at Divernon
Division N: Jared Klingler, Effingham JHS
Division O: Jeffrey Bagley, Piasa Southwestern
At-Large: Layana Zayid, Frankfort Summit Hill
A complete listing of prior winners is available at the following link
Division Sportsmanship Award winners of 2026 are:
A Highland Middle School
A Hawthorn Middle School North
B Forreston Middle School
C Gower Middle School
C Highlands Middle School
D Summit Hill Jr. High School
E Serena Middle School
F Pleasant Valley Middle School
G Paxton-Buckley-Loda Jr. High
H Eureka Middle School
I Hartsburg-Emden Jr. High School
J V.I.T. Junior High School
K Unity Junior High School
L Cumberland Jr. High School
L Arcola Junior High School
L Casey-Westfield Roosevelt
L Neoga Junior High School
M Tri-City Middle School
N Ramsey Elementary School
O Triad Middle School
The 2026 20+ year officials are:
Softball: Roger Nichols
Baseball: John Garlits
Basketball: Kevin Coughenour
Basketball: Terry Glaub
The 2026 Performing Art Spotlight Award winners are:
Speech
IESA Distinguished Service Award: Laura Anglin
IESA Class Act Award: Wes Skym
Ken Bradbury Lifetime Service Award: Tami Schroeder
Music
IESA Distinguished Service Award: Raquel Reid
The 2026 Excellence Award winners are:
Chess
Mike Zacate Lifetime Achievement Award: Murrel Rhodes
IESA Distinguished Service Award: Stefanie McAllister, Germantown Hills
Scholastic Bowl
Class A Coach Award: Heather Johnson, Paris Crestwood
Class AA Coach Award: John Barrett, Pleasant Plains
Jack Small Distinguished Service Award: Ann Sullivan
Friends of IESA
Distinguished Service Award: Kim Schafer
Distinguished Service Award: Sue Kemper
Distinguished Service Award: Kara Smith
Distinguished Service Award: Angie Prang
NFHS Outstanding Educator Section 4 Award winners
Music: Curtis Fischer-Oelschlaeger, Taylor Ridge Rockridge
Speech: Shauna Segler, Dunlap MS
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