New Trier staff member Johnyell Owens nominated for national RISE award

New Trier High School is proud to announce that Security Staff Member Johnyell “Johnny” Owens has been selected to represent Illinois in the national Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Awards sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education.

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and Governor JB Pritzker announced Owens’ nomination today. He is one of two Illinois school support personnel, along with Susan Naber of McLean County Unit District 5, selected by state officials to represent Illinois in the 2022 national RISE Awards. Congress enacted the awards program in 2019 to celebrate classified school employees and recognize the best in the nation among school support personnel.  U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona will select a single classified school employee from all states’ nominations nationwide to receive the national RISE Award by spring 2023.

“I am thrilled that the Illinois State Board of Education and Governor Pritzker have chosen to recognize Johnny Owens’ extraordinary contributions to education and to New Trier High School,” said Superintendent Paul Sally. “Johnny truly goes above and beyond every day to connect with students and staff and to build a warm, welcoming culture at New Trier.” 

Owens previously received the Excellence Award in the Educational Service Personnel category for ISBE’s 2022 Those Who Excel awards program. He is a sponsor of New Trier’s African American Community Club and Foster Reading & Tutoring Club in addition to his position as a Security Staff member. Owens has served on the District’s equity committee, often partners with District administration to offer perspective and experience in how the school can be a better place for all students and staff, and has volunteered his time to work with Student Council on projects and events.

In addition to being an eager participant in the many spirit competitions New Trier students organize, Owens proudly shares his background as a U.S. Navy veteran for New Trier’s Veterans Day activities each year. Students who wrote a letter supporting Owens’ nomination for the Those Who Excel award cited his ability to make deep connections by making them feel heard, safe, and valued. 

“Working at New Trier with so many amazing staff members, teachers, and students has made me want to pursue education,” said Owens, who has spent the last few years taking night classes toward his bachelor’s degree in pursuit of his goal of becoming a physical education teacher. “I’m just proud of the community I work for – the kids are receptive and kind, and I am honored to be able to mentor many students and help them shape their futures. A student once asked why I was ‘so popular’ at New Trier and I told him it was because I know magic and I can make you believe in yourself: I’m rooting for you and I’m on your side.”

For the purposes of the award, a classified school employee works in any grade from pre-kindergarten through high school in any of the following occupational specialties: paraprofessional, clerical and administrative services, transportation services, food and nutrition services, custodial and maintenance services, security services, health and student services, technical services, and skilled trades. Nominees must, at a minimum, demonstrate excellence in the following areas: (A) Work performance; (B) School and community involvement; (C) Leadership and commitment; (D) Local support (from co-workers, school administrators, community members, etc., who speak to the nominee’s exemplary work); (E) Enhancement of classified school employees' image in the community and schools. 

Find more information on the RISE Award here. Check out ISBE’s educator recognition webpage for a current list of recognition opportunities.

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