SYCAMORE – The DeKalb County Community Foundation and the DeKalb County Regional Office of Education recognized outstanding educators during the annual Excellence in Education Awards on April 9. Teachers, administrators, and support staff from Hiawatha, Sycamore, Sandwich, and Genoa-Kingston school districts were celebrated for their contributions to student learning and community engagement. Each honoree received $1,000, an engraved clock, and a copy of Lifelong Learner, a book honoring Yvonne Johnson, a retired Sycamore teacher whose endowed fund supports the awards. Since the event began 26 years ago, 129 educators have been recognized and $129,000 awarded.
2025 Excellence in Education Awards Recipients:
Pre-K – 5th Grade Teacher: Natalie Wylde, 3rd Grade Teacher, Genoa-Kingston CUSD #424
6th – 8th Grade Teacher: Elizabeth Peterson, 8th Grade Math & Science Teacher, Sycamore CUSD #427
9th – 12th Grade Teacher: Kristin Hill, Physical Education Teacher, Sycamore CUSD #427
Support Staff: Julie Thompson, Head Secretary, Sandwich High School, Sandwich CUSD #430
Administration: Jared Poynter, Superintendent, Hiawatha CUSD #426