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
Rich Township Edges Crete-Monee in 10-9 Conference Thriller
Crete-Monee Offense Powers 18-3 Rout of Rich Township
Access Will County Dial-A-Ride Reports Massive Growth After Consolidating Paratransit Services
Crete-Monee School Board Advances $17 Million Abatement for Ongoing Capital Projects
Legislative Committee Advances Resolution Opposing Kidney Disease Treatment Delegation Act
Commission Approves Massive Lake Michigan Water Infrastructure Project for Troy Township
Committee: Capital Improvements Committee Weighs $300 Million Options for Downtown Joliet Campus
Rich Township Offense Powers Past Crete-Monee, 21-4
Crete-Monee Offense Powers 18-8 Victory Over Rich Township
State Legislative Update: Housing Mandates, Mega Projects, and Data Centers Prompt Local Control Concerns
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee for May 5, 2026
Committee Advances Nearly $212,000 in Road and Facility Contracts for Jackson Township and Monee