Homewood District 153 presented the Jerry Morin Educational Excellence Award to six staff members for their outstanding efforts during the 2025-26 school year.

The awards, given at the school board’s Nov. 10 meeting, are presented to a teacher or staff member who has shown outstanding commitment to student achievement.

Superintendent Scott McAlister said the award is presented to teachers, certified staff and support staff as a way of recognizing their critical roles in the district. 

Honorees in the certified staff category were Reilly Papp, Carey Sullivan and Denise Mastela. Support staff honorees were Brain Hill, Tamika Bledsoe and Karen Kuersten.

The Churchill School teacher honoree was Reilly Papp who Principal Tara Peacock calls “a phenomenal reading specialist and a dedicated and exceptional teacher.” Papp is a graduate of Homewood schools and has been on staff for 15 years. Peacock said Papp’s a team player, she thinks outside the box and is willing to help everyone.

Hart physical education teacher Carey Sullivan wears many hats. While his main role is as a teacher, Principal Kim Johnson said Sullivan is a mentor, coach, co-athletic director, lunchroom supervisor, White Pines trip coordinator and substitute dean. “Your presence is so warm and welcoming, and it shows with your relationships with students and staff,” Johnson said.

Willow School physical education teacher Denise Mastela was recognized for her caring nature that extends “beyond the gymnasium, fostering strong relationships and encouraging students to do their best,” said Principal Ryan Jones who noted Mastela isn’t afraid to offer her opinions and suggestions that have a positive impact on the young children and help make Willow a place of positivity and inclusiveness.

Support staffer Karen Kuersten of James Hart School is a sixth grade teacher’s assistant. She’s worked in the district for more than 20 years. She was recognized for going “above and beyond providing guidance and care as a tutor, assistant and mentor,” said Principal Kim Johnson. Kuersten also serves with the District 153 teachers union.

Churchill head custodian Brian Hill won the Moran Award for all he does around the building and his efforts to assist staff. He has been with District 153 for more than 20 years. Principal Peacock said Hill is a team player who always comes in with a smile to help make things right. She appreciates his ongoing dedication to getting the job done right.

Willow School Principal Ryan Jones presented Tamika Bledsoe, a student support assistant, with the Morin Award recognizing her kind, caring, and thoughtful manner and her efforts at making learning engaging and fun for students. Bledsoe has been with the district for 18 years.