Four District 202 school and community leaders have been recognized with an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) 2026 Those Who Excel Award.
ISBE’s Those Who Excel Awards honor educators who have made significant contributions to Illinois’ public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools.
Awards are presented in six categories: Classroom teachers (teachers with five-plus years of experience), early career educators (teachers with one to four years of experience), school administrators, student support personnel, educational service personnel, and community volunteers.
Here are this year’s District 202 awardees.
Sarah Haussy, Award of Excellence, Classroom Teacher
Haussy has taught first grade at Central Elementary School for two years.
It is an honor to be recognized for doing something that she really loves, Haussy said.
“This honor represents the trust my students place in me, the support of families, and the collaboration of colleagues who inspire me every day,” she said.
The award motivates her to do better each day, Haussy said.
Haussy was nominated for her outstanding work and for creating a safe and supportive classroom where everyone thrives, the nominator said.
“Sarah’s warm, welcoming classroom environment ensures that every child feels valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential,” the nominator wrote.
Ashley Lamorte, Award of Special Recognition, School Administrator
Wesmere Elementary School Principal Ashley Lamorte wants her school community to know she is there to serve them.
A parent volunteer who nominated Lamorte said she saw the principal’s hands-on approach with students.
Lamorte would sit with a student and acknowledge their positive behavior and talk with them, the nominator said.
“As a mother, I appreciate the kind of support that comes from reward systems and recognition of good behavior,” said the parent. “She did her best to balance her energy daily.”
Lamorte said being nominated by a Wesmere parent means more than receiving the award.
“I show up every day hoping that our students feel seen and heard – whether that’s greeting them in the car line, playing basketball with them at recess, or talking to them in the hall,” Lamorte said.
Kimberly Transon, Award of Meritorious Service, Classroom Teacher
Transon is passionate about teaching first grade at Charles Reed Elementary School.
“Teaching is such heart work, and so much of what we do happens quietly in our classrooms each day,” she said.
The person who nominated her described the 10-year teaching veteran as funny, compassionate, and a lifelong learner, who helps her students and fellow teachers grow.
“Mrs. Transon stands out as a leader in the school with colleagues; she is always willing to help or support students and staff,” the nomination said.
“Every day, I have the privilege of watching children grow academically and personally, and that growth is the greatest reward of all,” Transon said.
Anne Dreger, Award of Special Recognition, Community Volunteer
Chances are, if there is an event at Central Elementary School, Anne Dreger will be there in some capacity.
A Central Elementary volunteer and PTO President, Dreger organizes events and fundraisers, leads meetings, and helps make a difference in the school.
The award means that all the hours of volunteering and work do not go unnoticed, Dreger said.
“The acknowledgement helps me know that I’m making a difference at our school,” she said. “Everything I put into volunteering is truly about the kids and making Central the best, most inclusive, and welcoming place it can be.”
The nominator also praised Dreger’s efforts to create events that give equitable access to all students.
“She has strengthened the school community by organizing inclusive events, supporting families in need, providing resources for classrooms, and donating countless hours to planning, communication, and collaboration with staff,” the nominator wrote.
All applications are scored by a review committee made up of ISBE staff, representatives from education organizations, and current and past awardees.
All awardees will be honored at an annual banquet in April.