The Plainfield School District 202 Foundation for Excellence proudly announces that Karen Blair, choir, general music and drama teacher at Ira Jones Middle School, and Ryan Schlott, Director of District Technology, are the recipients of the 2026 Niehus Award.
The awards were presented by Foundation for Excellence Vice-Chair Margie Bonuchi at the Aug. 26, 2026, Board of Education meeting.
The Niehus Award honors District 202 staff members who exemplify the service, dedication and excellence that defined the legacy of the late Walter and Juanita Niehus. Blair and Schlott were recognized for their outstanding commitment to students, staff and the District 202 community through their leadership, dedication, and lasting impact.
“Karen and Ryan represent what the Niehus Award is all about,” said Bonuchi. “They lead by example and invest in the people around them. Their impact reaches far beyond their individual roles, and we are proud to recognize them for the difference they make every day.” 
“I consider it an honor to be nominated for this award,” Blair said. “Honestly, I’m shocked that I was chosen. For people to take time out of their day to nominate me and say such nice things means a lot. I feel valued and seen.”
“This is still something that is hard for me to process,” Schlott said. “It is truly an honor to receive this award. I look around the District, and I see people every day at all different levels working hard and investing in the students and the community, and I consider myself blessed to be recognized while around such dedicated people.”
Karen Blair
Blair has dedicated almost two decades to District 202, including the past 11 years at Ira Jones Middle School. She teaches choir, general music and drama and previously served as the Heritage Grove Middle School head drama sponsor and a District 202 new teacher coach. 
“My time at Ira Jones has been one of growth and development,” Blair said. “I started with around 90 choir students, and every year I try to do things better than the last. The Ira Jones staff is amazing and supportive. We’ve grown the drama program, and we just try to make memories for students, parents, and staff.”
Blair’s nominators praised both the quality of her productions and the environment she creates for students. One described her productions as feeling “like you are at a Broadway show,” while another praised her for creating a welcoming, family-like environment where every student feels valued and safe.
For Blair, creating that environment is one of the most meaningful parts of her work.
“I was a kid who didn’t really have a place in school that felt safe, and I hope to create that for my students,” Blair said. “I see amazing humans who sometimes don’t see it in themselves yet. They just need encouragement and the opportunity to take risks.”
Her favorite part of the job, she said, is seeing students grow through the creative process.
“I love the journey the most. Seeing that growth in students makes my heart happy,” Blair said.
Ryan Schlott
Schlott is beginning his 25th year with District 202 and has served in a variety of technology roles throughout his career. He said his experience has been defined by meaningful work, strong relationships, and the opportunity to help the District grow. 
“I can safely say that working in Plainfield has offered a rewarding career that I consider irreplaceable,” Schlott said. “I have been able to work in the District with amazing people on interesting projects, at a school district where I could help my children grow into wonderful young adults. There is just something amazing about being a part of that.”
One of Schlott’s nominators praised him for “having a strategic vision that uses practical, hands-on execution,” a philosophy reflected in Schlott’s own approach to leadership.
“Trying to bring out the best in people or to help people realize their potential is something that has always been important to me,” Schlott said.
One project that stands out from his career came during a period of rapid District 202 growth, when multiple schools were opening each year. Schlott helped coordinate technology installations and prepare new buildings to welcome students and families.
“During that time period we got to see buildings go from empty fields and blueprints to hard hat zones to completed schools that were sometimes receiving their finishing touches while families were coming for meet and greet days,” he said. “It was a blend of working with technology and with people that made the job and the environment rewarding and challenging.”
Schlott said the opportunity to continually learn and take on new projects is one reason his 25 years with the District have gone by so quickly.
“Working both with education and technology, it is pretty much a guarantee that there will always be new things to learn and new projects to tackle,” he said. “It doesn’t feel like 25 years in the job because there are parts of the job that always feel fresh.”
“The Niehus Award represents the highest honor a District 202 staff member can receive,” said Dr. Glenn Wood, Superintendent of District 202. “Karen and Ryan lead with compassion, serve with humility and make a lasting difference in the lives of students and colleagues every day.”
About the Niehus Award
The Niehus Award, established in 1986, honors the legacies of former District 202 Superintendent of Schools Walter Niehus and his wife, respected former teacher Juanita Niehus. The Plainfield School District Foundation for Excellence administers the award on behalf of the Niehus family.
About the Foundation
Since 1983, the Plainfield School District Foundation for Excellence has raised and contributed more than $1.25 million to support District 202 students and staff through grants, scholarships, and special funding.
For more information about the Plainfield School District Foundation for Excellence or to donate, visit www.d202foundation.org.