The District 202 CAPE parent organization recognized 95 outstanding parents, community members, teachers, and staff for their dedication to students, schools, and the community at the 50th annual CAPE Awards Night on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Plainfield East High School.
CAPE is District 202’s committee for the Coordination of Administration and Parent Groups for Educational Efficiency. It serves as a bridge between district leadership and parent groups across all 31 District 202 schools.
“For 50 years, CAPE has been a powerful connection between our schools and community,” said CAPE President Blair Kramer. “This year’s honorees embody that spirit of service, and we are proud to recognize the lasting impact they make on students, families, and schools across District 202.”
The 2026 CAPE Community Award was presented to lifelong Plainfield resident and public servant Matthew Starr in recognition of his longstanding commitment to the community and District 202. A District 202 graduate and former Township Trustee and Tax Collector, Starr has dedicated more than a decade to civic leadership and youth-focused service through numerous local organizations and initiatives. He currently serves as chair of the Plainfield District 202 Foundation for Excellence, supporting innovative programs that enhance opportunities for students and families.
CAPE presented its 2026 Lifetime Contributor Award to community leader and District 202 paraprofessional Erinn Henes, a dedicated educator and advocate who has spent nearly two decades serving the district and making a lasting impact on CAPE and the broader school community. A longtime CAPE board member and leader, Henes has strengthened collaboration between parent organizations and schools while consistently championing students and families.
2025-26 CAPE AWARD WINNERS
Community Award Winner
Matthew Starr
CAPE Lifetime Contributor Award Winner
Erinn Henes
INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL-LEVEL WINNERS
BLUE HOUSE
Charles Reed Elementary School
• Teacher of the Year: Jennifer Murphy
• Support Staff of the Year: Pam Colantone
• Volunteer of the Year: Monica Newton
Meadow View Elementary School
• Teacher of the Year: Megan Marks
• Support Staff of the Year: Zuri Kaytes
• Volunteer of the Year: Andrea Waltz
Ridge Elementary School
• Teacher of the Year: Kelsi Steevens
• Support Staff of the Year: Anette Estes
• Volunteer of the Year: Shannon Lally
Thomas Jefferson Elementary School
• Teacher of the Year: Sarah Webber
• Support Staff of the Year: Tina Tupper
• Volunteer of the Year: Natalie Parkhurst
Wesmere Elementary School
• Teacher of the Year: Megan Eberle
• Support Staff of the Year: Jackie Gonzalez
• Volunteer of the Year: Katie Montgomery
Aux Sable Middle School
• Teacher of the Year: Jack Keating
• Support Staff of the Year: Kenneth Robbins
• Volunteer of the Year: Kris Viera
Drauden Point Middle School
• Teacher of the Year: Heather Joy
• Support Staff of the Year: Anisha Thigpen
• Volunteer of the Year: Jamar Pool
Plainfield South High School
• Teacher of the Year: Ashley DeLange
• Support Staff of the Year: Margaret Kantor
• Volunteer of the Year: Matt Mestan
GREEN HOUSE
Central Elementary School
• Teacher of the Year: Amy Bonomo
• Support Staff of the Year: Tricia Kramer
• Volunteer of the Year: Megan Vainowski
Crystal Lawns Elementary School
• Teacher of the Year: Colleen Whittington
• Support Staff of the Year: Pamela Brannon
• Volunteer of the Year: Dan Harkness
Grand Prairie Elementary School
• Teacher of the Year: Emily Hughes
• Support Staff of the Year: Austin Rocks
• Volunteer of the Year: Marina Washington
River View Elementary School
• Teacher of the Year: Sara Lorenc
• Support Staff of the Year: Giovanna Garcia
• Volunteer of the Year: Donna Lukas
Indian Trail Middle School
• Teacher of the Year: Tom Hall
• Support Staff of the Year: Megan Apt
• Volunteer of the Year: Joe Kukuc
Timber Ridge Middle School
• Support Staff of the Year: Maria Carrera
• Volunteer of the Year: Casie Clark
Plainfield High School -- Central Campus
• Teacher of the Year: Julie Bortoli
• Support Staff of the Year: Linda Hogan
• Volunteer of the Year: Megan Terry
RED HOUSE
Bonnie McBeth Learning Center
• Teacher of the Year: Abigail Roberts
• Support Staff of the Year: Erika Bahena
• Volunteer of the Year: Stephanie Stern
Eagle Pointe Elementary School
• Teacher of the Year: Sara Cairo
• Support Staff of the Year: Israel Ortega
• Volunteer of the Year: Toni Koca
Freedom Elementary School
• Teacher of the Year: Janet Edson
• Support Staff of the Year: Debi Wilmeson
• Volunteer of the Year: Ami Hannnam
Lincoln Elementary School
• Teacher of the Year: Jennifer Weibye
• Support Staff of the Year: Erika Olchawa
• Volunteer of the Year: Julie Eckstein
Walker’s Grove Elementary School
• Teacher of the Year: Ann Marie Peters
• Support Staff of the Year: Tracey Tobias
• Volunteer of the Year: Kim Dziak
Wallin Oaks Elementary School
• Teacher of the Year: Natalie Linchester
• Support Staff of the Year: Beth Gerst
• Volunteer of the Year: Michelle Barr
Heritage Grove Middle School
• Teacher of the Year: Rebecca Keeley
• Support Staff of the Year: Nicole Halvorsen
• Volunteer of the Year: Amanda Eager
Ira Jones Middle School
• Teacher of the Year: Jeffery St. Yves
• Support Staff of the Year: Jean Atienza
• Volunteer of the Year: Valerie Lentz
Plainfield Academy
• Teacher of the Year: Susan Hipp
• Support Staff of the Year: Christopher Hoffman
• Community Contributor of the Year: Angelina Formenti
Plainfield North High School
• Teacher of the Year: Marie McMenamin
• Support Staff of the Year: Stacy Spatafore
• Volunteer of the Year: Neil Witek
ORANGE HOUSE
Creekside Elementary School
• Teacher of the Year: Kristin Pecora
• Support Staff of the Year: Sheron Roberts
• Volunteer of the Year: Heather Zarecki
Elizabeth Eichelberger Elementary School
• Teacher of the Year: Julie Kennedy
• Support Staff of the Year: Caroline Pollock
• Volunteer of the Year: Veronica Fisher
Lakewood Falls Elementary School
• Teacher of the Year: Heather Slifka
• Support Staff of the Year: Gina Guilfoyle
• Volunteer of the Year: Tony Yauk
Liberty Elementary School
• Teacher of the Year: Luke Pradel
• Support Staff of the Year: Andrea Davis-Castillo
• Volunteer of the Year: Claire Hotaki
John F. Kennedy Middle School
• Teacher of the Year: Jamie Kaczmer
• Support Staff of the Year: Precious Moore
• Volunteer of the Year: Megan Kruiswyk
Plainfield East High School
• Teacher of the Year: Rebekah Grimes
• Support Staff of the Year: Jeff Ward
• Volunteer of the Year: Elizabeth Kachoris