Four Crete-Monee Principals Nominated for Golden Apple Awards
Crete-Monee School District 201-U Meeting | Jan. 20, 2026
Article Summary: Superintendent Dr. Kara Coglianese announced that four district principals have been nominated for the prestigious Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Leadership. The nominations originate from the staff at their respective schools.
Golden Apple Nomination Key Points:
-
Nominees: Kokona Chrisos, Kelly Chesta, Dr. Lisa Miller, and Lamont Holifield.
-
Significance: The Golden Apple is a statewide recognition program for educational excellence.
-
Process: Nominees were selected by their staff members to enter the pool of candidates.
The Crete-Monee School District 201-U Board of Education on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, celebrated the announcement that four of its principals have been nominated for the Golden Apple Awards.
Superintendent Dr. Kara Coglianese revealed the nominees during her administrative update. The recognized administrators are Kokona Chrisos, Kelly Chesta, Dr. Lisa Miller, and Lamont Holifield.
“Just to be nominated is truly just an honor and recognition from the staff,” Coglianese said. “I just wanted to make sure that you knew what fabulous principles and administrators we have.”
The Golden Apple Awards honor educators who demonstrate superior leadership and have a positive impact on their school communities. The nominees will now proceed through the selection process, which includes further evaluation to narrow down the finalists.
Latest News Stories
Will County Saves Nearly $5.74 Million in Bond Refinancing, Explores Future Borrowing Options
Will County Board Advances New Speed Limits in Green Garden and Frankfort Townships
New Lenox Garage Variance Denied After Neighbor Cites ‘Massive’ Scale and Neighborhood Impact
State Veto Session Passes Energy Bill Limiting County Zoning, Approves Toll Hike for Mass Transit
Commission Approves Peotone-Area Farmhouse Split, Overruling Staff’s “Spot Zoning” Concerns
Will County Finance Committee Hits Impasse on 2025 Tax Levy, Postpones Budget Votes
Federal Lobbyists Brief Will County on Government Shutdown, Warn of SNAP and TSA Disruptions
Commission Approves Mokena-Area Garage Variance Over Village’s Objection
Will County Committee Advances Gougar Road Bridge Project with Over $540,000 in Agreements
Will County Committee Shapes 2026 Legislative Agendas on Housing, Energy, and Health
Commission Grants Green Garden Solar Farm Project Variance Extension
Will County Committee Advances Phased Takeover of Central Will Dial-A-Ride Service