On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) announced the recipients of its 2026 Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards, and Lockport Township High School District 205 was proudly represented with 10 statewide honors.
These prestigious awards recognize Illinois educators and school professionals whose dedication, leadership, and innovation make a meaningful difference for students and school communities across the state.
All award recipients will be honored at the Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards Banquet on April 18. The 2026 Illinois Teacher of the Year will be announced later this spring by State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders.
2026 Those Who Excel Award Recipients – LTHS District 205
Award of Meritorious Service
School Administrator: Jeannette Castillo, Director of Public Relations
Educational Service Personnel: Kathleen Murphy, Custodian Foreman
Award of Excellence
School Administrator: Dr. Robert McBride, Superintendent
Early Career Educator: Jean Garcera, Associate Director of Choral Activities and
Director of LTHS Vocal Point A Cappella
Student Support Personnel: Travanna Green, Dean of Students
Classroom Teacher: Anne Lee, Department Chairperson of World Languages & Cultures
Classroom Teacher: Kayla Marbach, Spanish Teacher
Educational Service Personnel: Heather Rickerson, Paraprofessional
Award of Special Recognition
School Administrator: Joshua Oster, Assistant Principal for Student Services
Educational Service Personnel: Laura Williams, Paraprofessional
About the Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards
The Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards honor individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to education and student success. ISBE presents awards in six categories:
Classroom Teachers
Early Career Educators (1–4 years of experience)
School Administrators
Student Support Personnel
Educational Service Personnel
Community Volunteers
LTHS D205 congratulates all honorees for this outstanding achievement. Their work reflects the dedication, professionalism, and excellence that define our school community and positively impact students every day.
For more information and to view the full list of statewide awardees, visit ISBE’s Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year webpage.
Pictured from left to right: Heather Rickerson, Travanna Green, Laura Williams, Jean Garcera, Joshua Oster, Anne Lee, Robert McBride, Jeannette Castillo, Kathleen Murphy, and Kayla Marbach.