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
U.S. cut 92,000 jobs in ‘dismal’ February report, unemployment 4.4%
Board Splits Along Party Lines to Approve 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda
Turmoil in Texas: Concerns for Paxton to drop out, Gonzales drops reelection bid
HHS and DOC announce nutrition education initiative for medical schools
Target sued for checking arrest records of new hires: Class action
Farm bill, with changes, heads to U.S. House for vote
Agency improves license processing times; PA leader calls for modernization
These are the members of Congress who voted against disclosing sexual harassment claims
House Republicans re-pass DHS funding bill in symbolic vote
Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker to Noem: ‘Don’t let the door hit you’
Trump’s newest tariff program won’t raise nearly as much money
Legal experts: Supreme Court should decide energy policy framework over climate lawsuits