District 127 is thrilled to announce the first-ever D127 Day Portrait of Excellence Awards nominees! This momentous occasion marks the launch of a new tradition celebrating the incredible contributions of the staff at Grayslake North and Grayslake Central High Schools. These awards highlight the values and vision of the D127 Portrait of a Learner, showcasing the outstanding individuals who inspire excellence every day within our school community.
The D127 Portrait of Excellence Awards honors 37 nominees across six categories:
Rookie of the Year (employees with 0–4 years of service)
Educational Support Personnel
Paraprofessionals
Licensed Staff
Group/Team
Department Chair
Community Partnership
Nominees were selected because they embody the seven D127 values—Curious, Collaborative, Invested, Resilient, Principled, Empathetic, and Unfinished—which guide our district’s approach to learning, leadership, and community engagement. Being recognized as a nominee is itself a testament to their commitment to these values and their impact on peers, students, and the broader D127 community.
The recipients of each award will be chosen by a committee of students and will be announced in January 2025, a day dedicated to celebrating our schools, our staff, and our shared mission of excellence.
Superintendent Dr. Storassli, sporting a festive D127-blue blazer, expressed his enthusiasm after passing out official nominee certificates: “These staff members represent the heart and soul of District 127. Their dedication and passion fuel our schools’ success, and we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate them as part of this historic event. Our schools are filled with remarkable individuals who give back to our students and community daily, which is a reminder of just how special District 127 is.”
Congratulations to all nominees! Your peers and community recognize your hard work, integrity, and commitment to excellence. Stay tuned as we prepare to make District 127 Day a celebration to remember!