For Immediate Release
Regional Office of Education #11 Recognition of Excellence Award 2025
Charleston, IL – The Regional Office of Education #11 (ROE #11) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Recognition of Excellence Award, honoring outstanding education professionals who exemplify skill, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to inspiring students across the region. Selected from a pool of exceptional nominees, these awardees have earned the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues alike through their leadership, community involvement, and extraordinary ability to ignite a passion for learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities.
Nominations for the prestigious award were accepted through February 2025, with each candidate reviewed by a dedicated committee. One professional per school district was chosen to receive this distinguished honor, recognizing their vital contributions to both their schools and communities. The recipients stand out not only for their professional excellence but also for their active and meaningful roles beyond the classroom, often serving as leaders and role models.
Regional Superintendent Dr. Kyle Thompson praised the awardees, stating, “These remarkable individuals remind us that education is not just about imparting knowledge—it’s about lighting a spark that fuels curiosity and growth. Their ability to connect with students and inspire them to reach their fullest potential is nothing short of extraordinary.” He added, “In a world that constantly changes, these educators are the steady hands guiding our future, showing us that the heart of learning beats strongest when it’s driven by passion and purpose.”
The ROE #11 Recognition of Excellence Award celebrates these education professionals for their superior talent in fostering a love of learning and their profound impact on the lives of students and their communities.
Congratulations to the following 2025 ROE #11 Recognition of Excellence Award Recipients:
Arcola CUSD #306: Aimee Lugo
Arthur CUSD #305: Jennifer Schrock
Bridges: Blair Dosch
Casey-Westfield CUSD #C-4: Betsy Collins
Central A&M CUSD #21: Kelly Lamb
Charleston CUSD #1: Kelly Bacon
Cowden-Herrick CUSD #3A: Jaclyn Golding
Cumberland CUSD #77: Todd Butler
EIASE: Kim Harden
Edgar County CUSD #6: Kelsey Potter
Kansas CUSD #3: Lindsay Shawver
Marshall CUSD #C-2: Tina Grooms
Martinsville CUSD #C-3: Bethani Conzen
Mattoon CUSD #2: Tammy Tippit
Mid-America Preparatory School: Erin Lowry
Neoga CUSD #3: Maureen Letizia
Oakland CUSD #5: Kevin Fleckenstein
Okaw Valley CUSD #302: Heidi Vander Burgh
Paris CUSD #4: Kirstin Mills
Paris Cooperative High School: Matthew Wilkie
Paris Union #95: Kourtney Southworth
Shelbyville CUSD #4: Kirstin Bennett
Shiloh CUSD #1: Alyson Barry
Stewardson-Strasburg CUSD #5A: Penny Hill
St. John’s Lutheran School: Rachel Warfel
St. Michael School: Jenni Dittamore
Sullivan CUSD #300: Poppy Ann Graham
Tuscola CUSD #301: Lacy Diaz
Trinity Lutheran School: Jonathan Gurgel
Villa Grove CUSD #302: Sarah Leith
Windsor CUSD #1: Pam Storm
ROE #11 Recognition of Excellence Award Recipients were presented a certificate and award (pictures included).
The Regional Office of Education #11 comprises 25 public schools, 4 non-public schools, and other associated regional education programs that together enroll approximately 20,000 students across more than 3,500 square miles of East Central Illinois. ROE #11 is located at 730 7th Street, Charleston, IL 61920. Contact the office by calling (217)348-0151, visiting www.roe11.org, or connecting on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn. #ROE11
