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
Crete-Monee Capitalizes on Kankakee Miscues, Cruises to 18-8 Run-Rule Victory
Will County DOT Hosts Open House on Manhattan-Monee Road Project
Answers wanted to ‘pathetic’ state procurement issues
Report paints dismal picture of California’s jobs market
Report: U.S. added $1.2 trillion to national debt in six months
Illinois House pushes through bill restricting ICE detention centers in state
Cheaper gas could take time amid tentative ceasefire
Trump says military remains in place as talks with Iran set to begin
Illinois Quick Hits: Ex-nonprofit exec sentenced for state, federal grant fraud
Crete-Monee School Board Unanimously Rejects $503,000 Tax Levy Abatement
Will County Prepares for Route 66 Centennial with $3.4 Million in Grant Projects
Lawmaker calls for department reform supporting Illinois families with disabled children