Eight D21 staff members among ISBE’s Those Who Excel honorees for 2026

The Illinois State Board of Education has recognized eight staff members from Community Consolidated School District 21 through its annual Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards, which honor educators who demonstrate excellence, commitment and leadership in service to students and school communities.

The honorees represent a range of roles across the district and were recognized across three award categories: Award of Excellence, Award of Meritorious Service and Award of Special Recognition.

Those recognized include:

• Gustavo Atempa, Spanish interpreter, with an Award of Excellence;
• Michelle Kuta, art teacher at Frost Elementary School, with an Award of Meritorious Service;
• Allison Parker, eighth-grade language arts teacher at London Middle School, with an Award of Meritorious Service;
• Connor Potvin, fourth-grade teacher at Frost, with an Award of Excellence;
• Gordana Rink, second-grade bilingual Spanish teacher at Frost, with an Award of Meritorious Service;
• Marcela Rodriguez, bilingual/English-as-a-second-language instructional specialist, with an Award of Special Recognition;
• Samantha Roth, principal of Whitman Elementary School, with an Award of Special Recognition; and
• Jaclyn Share, language services teacher facilitator at Holmes Middle School, with an Award of Special Recognition

The Those Who Excel program annually celebrates educators across the state for their contributions to student growth, school culture and innovation in education. Award of Excellence recipients represent the highest level of recognition, while Awards of Meritorious Service and Special Recognition acknowledge exemplary dedication and impact in supporting students and colleagues.

The recognition reflects the commitment educators across the district bring to their work each day, according to Superintendent Dr. Michael Connolly.

“These individuals represent the very best of our profession,” Connolly said. “Their dedication to students, collaboration with colleagues and commitment to excellence strengthen our entire learning community. We are proud to see their impact recognized at the state level.”

ISBE will celebrate the honorees during a banquet this April in Bloomington-Normal.

For more information about each of our honorees, please visit https://bit.ly/d21twe2026.