Distinguished Service Celebration

We recognize those individuals and groups throughout the state who partner with their school communications office to serve as ambassadors for public education and champions of students and staff. INSPRA’s annual Distinguished Service Celebration honors the impactful work of these school community members.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Distinguished Service Celebration! Photos from the event can be viewed here - thanks to Chris Lilly, Director of Communications at Park Ridge - Niles 64 for being our event photographer!

2026 Honorees: Congratulations to all of our honorees in the 2026 Distinguished Service Celebration! To learn more about why these folks were selected to be honored, check out the 2026 DSC Program Book.​​​​​​​

Administrator:

  • Kristine Schlissman, Joliet Township High School District 204
  • Gina Ziccardi, Community High School District 99
  • Scott Iddings, Huntley School District 158
  • Jean Bednar, School District U-46
  • Jennifer Uliks, Community High School District 128

Community Member:

  • Karen Probst, Lake Park Community High School District 108
  • Amber Peters, School District U-46

Faculty & Staff:

  • Taylor Skender, Troy School District 30-C
  • Jennifer Kahn, Community High School District 128
  • Patrick Glazik, DuPage High School District 88

Support Staff:

  • Juli Gniadek, Community High School District 99
  • Elturia "Tria" Akines, Community Unit School District 200
  • Eric Slager, Lockport Township High School District 205
  • Janet Greshock, School District U-46

Students:

  • Dhanvi Dhandapani, School District U-46

Teams:

  • City of Wheaton Neighborhood Roll Call; Angela Smith, Karl Dillenkoffer, Matthew Biscan, and Alyssa Barry, Community Unit School District 200

We look forward to celebrating more ambassadors for public education at the 2027 Distinguished Service Celebration!

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DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CATEGORIES

Each district may submit one nomination in each of the eight categories listed below:

  • Administrator: superintendents, associate/assistant superintendents, principals, assistant principals, directors, coordinators, and other licensed or non-licensed staff members who function in an administrative role
  • Board of Education Member
  • Community Member
  • Faculty/Certified/Licensed Staff: teachers, counselors, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and other licensed school service personnel
  • Parent
  • Student (one individual)
  • Support Staff: aides, bus drivers, crossing guards, maintenance/custodial personnel, food-service staff, paraprofessionals, administrative assistants, or other support staff

  • Team: two or more individuals (including a group of students), who worked together to complete a single project or activity

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CRITERIA

Distinguished service recognition places an emphasis on celebrating and honoring communication excellence, rather than a tiered system of awards. All entries will be reviewed based on the following criteria:

  • Actions of the nominee strengthen overall support for public education by stakeholders.
  • Actions of the nominee support the efforts, work, and mission of the school district’s communications/community relations department.
  • Actions of the nominee have made a positive and lasting impact on public education, amplify student voice, and benefit families.

Nominations should include a 600-word (or less) write-up and a 250-word (or less) summary.