The Regional Office of Education #26 has announced the winners of its inaugural Champions of Education Awards, recognizing two individuals whose extraordinary dedication has left a lasting impact on students, schools, and communities throughout the region.
Stephanie Kerr of West Prairie School District has been named the 2026 ROE26 Educator of the Year, while Marilyn Keeney of Macomb School District has been posthumously recognized as the 2026 ROE26 Support Staff of the Year. The winners were named Thursday, June 4, at a ceremony in Macomb.
“One of the greatest strengths of our region is the incredible people who dedicate their lives to helping students grow, learn, and succeed,” Regional Superintendent Dave Demler said. “These awards were created to shine a light on the educators and support staff members who consistently go above and beyond for children and families. Stephanie Kerr and Marilyn Keeney both represent the very best of what education is all about.”
Kerr, a 4th-6th grade English Language Arts teacher at West Prairie South Elementary, was selected for her exceptional leadership, instructional excellence, and commitment to student growth throughout her 30 years in education.
In nomination materials submitted by West Prairie South Elementary Principal Caitlin Watson, Kerr was praised for creating classrooms where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired to succeed.
“Mrs. Kerr’s students are always among the highest performing in the state,” Watson wrote in the nomination. “Her students consistently demonstrate reading growth and proficiency.” Watson also credited Kerr with helping foster West Prairie’s culture of instructional excellence through curriculum leadership, mentorship, and collaboration with fellow educators.
The nomination further highlighted Kerr’s passion for literacy and her ability to connect with students at every level.
“Mrs. Kerr’s patience and passion for what she teaches inspires all students to rise to the challenge,” Watson wrote. “Many students would tell you that Mrs. Kerr is their favorite teacher.”
Colleagues and parents also described Kerr as a trusted mentor whose influence extends well beyond her own classroom. One teacher quoted in the nomination called her “the best teacher I have ever worked with,” while another praised her ability to guide coworkers through difficult classroom situations with patience and thoughtful advice.
Keeney, meanwhile, was honored posthumously for a remarkable 47-year career serving students in Macomb schools, most notably as a special education paraprofessional at MacArthur and Lincoln schools.
In nomination materials submitted by Lincoln Principal Eric Bryan, Keeney was remembered as a compassionate and tireless advocate for students facing significant behavioral and emotional challenges.
“Those students needed that more than ever, and she was always available to hand that gift out whenever it was needed,” Bryan wrote. “I think it is safe to say she has made an impact on thousands of students over her career.”
Bryan described Keeney as one of the first people in the building each morning and someone whose commitment to students never wavered, even while dealing with personal health challenges and family hardships.
“At a time when everyone is looking to get out of education, she kept finding the grit and determination to stay in it,” Bryan wrote. “She was one of a kind.”
Demler said the Champions of Education Awards are part of ROE26’s broader effort to recognize the exceptional work taking place in schools throughout west-central Illinois and to celebrate the educators and support professionals helping students succeed every day.
“Education is about relationships, encouragement, and creating opportunities for students to thrive,” Demler said. “We want these awards to become an annual tradition that highlights the incredible talent, compassion, and dedication found throughout ROE26 schools. These nominations told powerful stories about people who change lives every single day, and that is something worth celebrating throughout our communities.”
The Regional Office of Education #26 serves school districts across Fulton, Hancock, McDonough, and Schuyler counties, providing leadership, services, and support for schools, educators, and families throughout the region.
For more information, visit www.roe26.net.