Orland School District Celebrates Nine Staff Members Honored by ISBE

Orland School District 135 is thrilled to announce that nine outstanding staff members have been recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education's prestigious "Those Who Excel" program. These people have demonstrated exceptional dedication, passion, and commitment to student success, earning them well-deserved accolades.

The "Those Who Excel" program annually honors individuals who have significantly contributed to their schools. This year, OSD135 is proud to celebrate the achievements of the following teachers:

• Award of Excellence—To earn the Award of Excellence, staff members must have demonstrated a commitment to equity and the success of all students. They regularly collaborate with colleagues, students, and families to create positive school and District cultures.
• Katie Curtin: Executive Assistant for the Department of Teaching and Learning
• Serena Poniatowski: Library Information Specialist at Jerling Jr High

• Award of Meritorious Service—Honorees who are awarded Meritorious Service have gone above and beyond in service to their school communities. They are educators who take on leadership opportunities and whose accomplishments uplift the learning culture in their schools.
• Jerling Jr High Social Work Team (Whitney Freund, Brandi Greene, Erica Mangia)
• Rebecca Kreger: Jerling Jr High Classroom Teacher
• Kristen Pehr: Center School Student Support Personnel (Counselor)

• Award of Special Recognition- Staff members who receive the Award of Special Recognition are valued members of their school who have been recognized for the skills, passions, and talents they bring to their community.
• Brian Cragg: Orland Jr High Classroom Teacher
• Lucy Shalash: Century Jr High Classroom Teacher
• Debra Tomlinson: Century Jr High Student Support Personnel (Social Worker)
• Lisa Weston: Meadow Ridge School Administrator

The district will formally recognize these exceptional recipients at the March 10th Board of Education Meeting at Cenutry Jr High. We encourage all staff, families, and community members to join us in celebrating their remarkable achievements.

Congratulations to all the honorees.