New Trier Security Staff Member Nominated For National RISE Award

WINNETKA, IL — State education officials selected a New Trier High School security staffer as one of two Illinois nominees for a national Department of Education award.

Now in its third year, the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees, or RISE, Awards were established by Congress to recognize the best classified school employees in the country.

Johnyell "Johnny" Owens, a U.S. Navy veteran who has been a member of New Trier's security staff since 2006 and full-time since 2010, was nominated last month by the Illinois State Board of Education and Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

“Working at New Trier with so many amazing staff members, teachers, and students has made me want to pursue education,” Owens said.

For the past few years, Owens has also been attending night school to obtain credits toward a bachelor's degree and aims to become a physical education teacher, according to school officials.

His colleagues at New Trier praised him for his involvement with extracurricular and community events. Owens sponsors the African American Community Club and Foster Reading & Tutoring Club, shares his background as part of Veterans Day activities and has served on the district's equity committee.

According to school officials, he has volunteered to work with Student Council and often partners with administrators to offer perspective and advice on how the school can be a better place for all students.

Owens was also a winner of an Excellence Award in the Educational Service Personnel category in the Illinois State Board of Education's 2022 Those Who Excel awards. In a letter in support of his nomination, school officials said New Trier students described how Owens made deep connections by making high schoolers feel safe, valued and heard.

“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," Owens said. "A student once asked why I was ‘so popular’ at New Trier and I told him it was begcause I know magic and I can make you believe in yourself: I’m rooting for you and I’m on your side.”

The other Those Who Excel awardee nominated for the national RISE Award nominee is Susan Naber, a paraprofessional in early childhood special education classrooms in McLean County Unit District 5.

State Education Superintendent Carmen Ayala said she was proud to nominate the pair and celebrate school support workers across the state.

“As Mrs. Naber and Mr. Owens demonstrate, every single person who works in our schools makes a difference in our students' lives," Ayala said, announcing the nominees. "These two exceptional classified school employees changed the lives of students and their families, going above and beyond to build relationships, strengthen their schools' culture and climate, and provide students with the support they need to succeed."

Pritzker offered congratulations to Owens and Naber and said in a statement he could not have been prouder to nominate them.

“Our school support staff are heroes—making sure that every student has an advocate in their corner," Pritzker said. "From providing gymnastics lessons and socially distant enrichment programs to advancing equity and sponsoring identity-based clubs, Mrs. Naber and Mr. Owens have risen to the occasion — supporting students at every turn, no matter the challenges."

RISE Award nominees can come from public or private schools, working as paraprofessionals or in clerical and administrative services, transportation services, food and nutrition services, custodial and maintenance services, security services, health and student services, technical services or skilled trades.

The winner of the last year's RISE award, announced in February, was Keeley Anderson, an intervention specialist at Newcastle Middle School in Newcastle, Wyoming. There were 25 nominations from 15 states in the competition's second year.

New Trier High School District 203 Superintendent Paul Sally said in a statement he was thrilled that the governor and state education board have recognized Owens' contributions.

“Johnny truly goes above and beyond every day to connect with students and staff and to build a warm, welcoming culture at New Trier," Sally said.

This year's winner is due to be announced by U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona by prior to May 31.