Schools Of Distinction
Art, design, and media education are central to a comprehensive education. Participation in these courses uniquely affords students creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills.
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Along with social and emotional skills, students involved in art, design, and media programs are well-prepared for college, career, and citizenship. As such, it is important to recognize when excellent school programs in art, design, and media education provide students these critical skills. The Illinois Art Education Association seeks to honor this programmatic and professional excellence where it occurs in Illinois schools.
The Schools of Distinction Program recognizes school art, media, & design programs that demonstrate excellence in the following areas:
- curriculum and assessment
- authentic learning
- showcasing student learning
- connected communities
- leadership and advocacy
- professional development and training
These areas, outlined in detail below, reflect the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards (IPTS). Alignment between the Schools of Distinction Criteria and the IPTS are highlighted in the criteria. Embedded within the criteria are the principles of equity, cultural responsiveness, critical multiculturalism, and inclusion.
2024-2026 Winners

Wauconda High School
Ann Ossey & Mary Plazak Prinicpal: Mr. Dan Nicholas

Aurora Christian High School
Grahame Wilkin & Jacquie Sanders Prinicpal: Dr. Natalie Henderson

St Charles North High School
Stephanie Dodd, Danielle Sheppard, Casey Macko, and Laurie Wennemar Principal: Ms. Shanna Lewis

Evergreen Park Community High School
Libby McArthur & Tom Guerra Prinicpal: Mr. Matt Dugan

Palatine High School
Russ Horvath, Rachel Bartlett, Nick Hostert, and Karen Lange Prinicpal: Mr. Tony Medina

Dwight Township High School
Patricia Farrell-Levange Prinicpal: Mr. Andrew Pittenger

Oak Lawn Community High School
Ailysh Cooper, Jen Wargin, Jen Clark, Eric Kallenborn, and Brian Clifton Prinicpal: Dr. Lauren May

Marion High School
Amber Akes Principal: Mr. Joseph Williams
About the Application Process

The IAEA accepts applications for recognition as a School of Distinction annually between January 1st and June 30th. Applications are reviewed in July with notifications sent out in August. For questions about the Schools of Distinction program or this application process, please contact [email protected]
Application Resources:
Application Documents
2023-2025 Winners

Batavia High School
Jennifer Carpenter, Lucy Jensen, Jennifer Melendez, Andrea Schindlbeck, Kathleen Tieri Ton, Dawn Zalkus P

Grayslake North High School
Randy Sweitzer, Kelly Bott, Meghan Crowley, Sue Foecking Prinicpal: Dr. James Roscoe

Hinsdale Middle School
Theresa McGee & Carolyn Zolecki Principal: Cory Burke
2022-2024 Awardee Status

Washington Community High School
Educators: Margaret Kuchan,Jayme Banzhoff, John Clifford Principal: Ms. Karen Stevens

Aurora Christian High School
Educators: Grahame Wilkin and Jacquie Sanders Principal: Dr. Natalie Henderson

Lemont High School
Eduators: Ryan Hennebry, Dave Nommensen, Megan Idell, and Shannon Jeglinski Principal: Mr. Eric Michaelsen

Evergreen Park Community High School
Educators: Libby McArthur & Tom Minarik Principal: Mr. Bill Sanderson

Lake Zurich High School
Educators: Kristen LaJeunesse Roach and Matthew Winkelman Principal: Ms. Erin DeLuga
2021-2023 Awardee Status

Oswego High School
Educators: Michael Skura, Aaron Kolkay, Dan Whipple, Jennifer Nagle | Principal: Chris Grays

Oswego East High School
Educators: Heather Stanich, Lauren Schmidt, Laura Cavanaugh, Lisa Cook | Principal: Laura Bankowski

Downers Grove North High School
Educators: Marty Voelker, Robyn Bican, Amy Bernard, Josh Hoering | Principal: Courtney DeMent

Hinsdale Middle School
Educator: Theresa McGee | Principal: Ruben Peña

Glenn Westlake Middle School
Educator: Alicia York | Principal: Scott Stehlik
2020-2023 Awardee Status

Washington Community High School
Educators: Jack Clifford, Jayme Banzhoff and Margaret Kuchan | Principal: Mrs. Stevens

Metea Valley High School
Educators: Karen Popovich, Irene LaPapa, Karly Olson, Katie Novorolsky, Ashley Kasher, and Don Devany | Principal: Dr. Echols

Batavia High School
Educators: Josh Casburn, Jennifer Carpenter, Jennifer Melendez, Andrea Schindlbeck, Kathleen Tieri-Ton, Andrea Schindlbeck, and Dawn Zalkus | Principal: Dr. Smith

Henry Senachwine High School
Educator: Frank Bush | Principal: Dr. Hill

Still Middle School
Educator: Donna Davis | Principal: Dr. Echols

Lexington K-12
Educator: Emma Long-Ingram | Principal: Mrs. Strating

Cobden High School
Educator: Jeremy Crawford | Principal: Mr. Shoemate

Harrisburg High School
Educator: Douglas Robbins | Principal: Mr. Dewar