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The Lake County Federation of Teachers, Local 504, proudly celebrates the outstanding accomplishments of our members who have been recognized as nominees and award winners across Lake County and the State of Illinois.
These dedicated educators and support staff exemplify excellence, commitment, and the very best of our profession. We are honored to recognize their achievements!
GOLDEN APPLE RECOGNITION
- Kristina Lancaster (Big Hollow)
2026 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching – Nominee
LAKE COUNTY EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
Diverse Learner Teacher
- Elonda Moore (Waukegan Teachers)
- Jackie Block (Lake Villa)
- Kelly Chamernik (Millburn Teachers)
- Maria Martinez-Class (Zion Benton)
- Michelle Bastiani (D128 Teachers)
- Olga Carlson (Gurnee Teachers)
- Samantha Sell (Grayslake Teachers)
- Skyler Morley (Big Hollow)
- Suzanne Dylla (Woodland)
- Michelle Clark (SEDOL) – WINNER
Early Career Educator
- Erin Picco (SEDOL)
- Evan Nelson (Millburn Teachers)
- Karen Knapp (Waukegan Teachers)
- Mary Namey (Grayslake Teachers)
- Mattysen Rudin (Gurnee Teachers)
Educational Service Personnel
- Kristi James (Grayslake PSRP)
- Erica Jacobo (Waukegan Teachers)
Elementary / Early Childhood Teacher
- Allison Wahlberg (Grayslake Teachers)
- Chris Jackowiak (Big Hollow)
- Leah Kropp (Woodland)
- Lissette Quinones (Gurnee Teachers)
- Mandy Marshall (Lake Villa)
- Mark Zavala (Waukegan Teachers)
- Natalia Budzik (Diamond Lake)
- Rebecca Habetler (Millburn Teachers)
Guest of Honor – Library / Media Specialist
- Bethany Ginter (Warren)
- Carrie Stump (Grant)
- Kirsten Innes (Grayslake Teachers)
- Krista Wyman (Gurnee Teachers)
- Lydia Campbell (Woodland)
- Monica Caldicott (D128 Teachers)
High School Teacher
- Christopher Kubic (Zion Benton)
- Julie Pasqua (Waukegan Teachers)
- Nikol Olszewski (D128 Teachers)
- Paige Gruber (Grant)
- Stuart Mendelsohn (Tech Campus)
- Rocco Oddo (Warren)
Middle School Teacher
- Brian Golwitzer (Woodland)
- Kristin Kao (Millburn Teachers)
- Lisa Jones (Emmons)
- Lynda Anello (Lake Villa)
- Melinda Garcia (Waukegan Teachers)
- Pei-Ming Pump (Grayslake Teachers)
- Stephanie Esteban (Gurnee Teachers)
- Sylvia Garcarz (Big Hollow)
Student Support Personnel
- Joy Mobile (Zion Benton)
- Erin MacDonald (SEDOL)
- Krista Nelson (Grayslake PSRP)
- Rob Stone (Woodland)
- Wendy Loveless (Lake Villa)
Special Recognition
- John Drinkall (Tech Campus)
ISBE Honors
- Jennifer Porreca (Tech Campus) – ISBE Award of Excellence WINNER
- Nicole Lynch (Diamond Lake) – ISBE Award of Excellence WINNER
- Rebecca Grazier (Gurnee Teachers) – ISBE Far North Suburbs Regional Teacher of the Year WINNER
Village of Gurnee Recognition
Teacher of the Year
- Betsy Sincora (Gurnee Teachers) – WINNER
- Rocco Oddo (Warren) – WINNER
- Jessica Pierson (Woodland) – WINNER
Staff Member of the Year
- Miriam Yaquian (Gurnee Support Staff) – WINNER
- Brandi Smith (Woodland) – WINNER
Local 504 is incredibly proud of each and every member recognized this year. Whether nominated or selected as a winner, your dedication to students, colleagues, and the community makes a lasting impact.
Congratulations to all of our honorees — you represent the very best of public education!
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