SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and Governor JB Pritzker announced today that two exceptional classified school employees, Arllette Antunez of Community Consolidated School District 59 and Claye Vogelsang of McLean County Unit District 5, have been selected as Illinois' nominees for the 2025 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award. The RISE Award is a national recognition program that honors extraordinary classified school employees for their outstanding contributions to their school communities.
“Arllette and Claye exemplify the heart and dedication that make our schools a safe and welcoming space for every student and family,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. “They go above and beyond to support the whole child and make sure each student has what they need physically and mentally to engage successfully and equitably in all the opportunities their schools have to offer. Their passion, personal stories, and unwavering commitment to education and to their communities inspire us all. Illinois is proud to recognize their incredible impact and celebrate their well-deserved nominations.”
Arllette Antunez, a community outreach specialist in Community Consolidated School District 59 based in Elk Grove Village, has become an invaluable advocate for students and families. She leads initiatives like the Community Cares Closet and food distribution services, ensuring students have access to essentials year-round. A passionate champion for equity, Arllette fosters cultural celebrations, such as “Noche de Encanto,” and addresses attendance and behavioral challenges with tailored interventions. Her dedication to building relationships and connecting families with vital resources exemplifies her unwavering commitment to student success.
“Arllette’s impact on our community is immeasurable,” said Admiral Byrd Elementary School Principal Larry Ganan in a letter of recommendation. “She has developed strong trusting relationships with our staff and has built such meaningful and powerful relationships with the families that she serves.”
Claye Vogelsang, a family support coordinator for McLean County Unit District 5 high schools, connects students and families with the resources they need to thrive. Drawing on his own experiences and more than 20 years in public service roles, Claye goes the extra mile to remove barriers to student success. From creating grab-and-go breakfast options to ensuring a student facing housing insecurity could graduate, his hands-on approach has transformed lives. Claye collaborates with community organizations like the United Way to provide wraparound services that address root causes and barriers that hinder students’ educational success.
“Claye’s extreme level of care for people as humans first sets him apart from his colleagues,” said Normal West High School Principal Angela Codron in a letter of recommendation. “His ability to talk straight, exhibit empathy, and create a supportive approach all at the same time make him someone our families feel trust with immediately upon meeting him.”
Last year, the state of Illinois nominated Mario Diaz Albarran, the head custodian at Community Consolidated School District 15 in Palatine, and Lakinda Brown, a paraprofessional at Freeport School District 145, to represent Illinois in the 2024 RISE Awards. Diaz Albarran was selected as the country’s sole winner of the 2024 National RISE Award by the U.S. Department of Education.
ISBE and Gov. Pritzker selected the RISE Award nominees from top-scoring Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards recipients in the educational service personnel category. Classified employees include professionals in occupational specialties, such as paraprofessionals, clerical and administrative services, transportation services, food and nutrition services, custodial and maintenance services, security services, health and student services, technical services, and skilled trades.
The RISE Award is facilitated by the U.S. Department of Education, which typically announces the national honoree in the spring of each year.
For more information about the RISE Award and ISBE’s recognition programs, visit ISBE’s Educator Recognition Opportunities webpage.