New Trier’s Johnyell Owens, Christopher Johnson, and Health Services Department Recognized with ISBE “Those Who Excel” Awards

Campus Security Staff Member Johnyell (Johnny) Owens, Associate Superintendent Christopher Johnson, and the New Trier High School Health Services Department were among the 196 Those Who Excel awardees announced by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) this week. The award recognizes administrators, teams, volunteers, and school support personnel for their extraordinary contributions to education across the state.

Owens, who received the Excellence award in the Educational Service Personnel category, serves as the sponsor of New Trier’s African American Community Club in addition to his position as a Security Staff member. He 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, including their Black History Month commemoration.

In addition to being a willing 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 cited his ability to make deep connections by making them feel heard, safe, and valued.

“Johnyell is a role model for our students, and he also is a valued, important voice in our District’s equity efforts,” New Trier Superintendent Dr. Paul Sally said. “He has built important relationships with students, staff members, and parents with his warm, welcoming demeanor and his genuine care and concern for our students.”

Johnson received a Meritorious Service Award in the Administrator category for his tireless efforts to organize and run mass COVID-19 vaccination clinics at New Trier’s Northfield Campus – in addition to his typical role of overseeing all aspects of finance and operations in the District. His efforts led to the administration of more than 22,000 COVID-19 vaccine shots and helped ensure the health and safety of students, staff, and residents of 80 Illinois communities.

“Mr. Johnson’s commitment to care for those well beyond the walls of New Trier High School has made an immeasurable impact on what we have been able to accomplish within the walls of our schools,” New Trier Township’s six Elementary Superintendents wrote in a nomination letter to ISBE. “We share our highest level of praise and gratitude for the commitment Mr. Johnson has shown toward the health and well-being of our community.”

In addition to the vaccine clinics, Johnson was able to form strategic partnerships with community resources to ensure the following essentials during a time of scarcity: personal protective equipment for staff, streamlined diagnostic testing options for families and staff through NorthShore University Health System, and an innovative COVID-19 surveillance screening for students and staff.

Members of the Health Services Department were the third to receive the Those Who Excel award at New Trier: a Meritorious Service Award in the team category.

“When county and other local authorities were unable to do contact tracing in a timely manner, the nurses stepped in and took this on,” wrote primary care pediatrician Dr. Rachel Goodman, who served on New Trier’s Reopening Advisory Board with Health Services Coordinator Anne Marie Ricchio. “She and her staff work well as a team. No matter whom I hear from in the department, I get the same level of excellence.”

New Trier’s nurses worked early mornings, weekends, and late nights from the start of the pandemic, recognizing the urgency of sending notices of quarantine and exposure, and the important role that quick notification to families could have in reducing the spread of the virus. They also engaged with the Cook County Department of Public Health to provide them with timely, accurate information from New Trier and answered countless questions from the administrative team, staff, and parents.

“I cannot overstate the importance that individuals like yourself have in the lives of students, not only academically, but also socially and emotionally.” State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carmen I. Ayala said in a letter to Those Who Excell awardees. “You help students to dream – to discover new possibilities for themselves – and then help those dreams become a reality.”

Since 1970, the ISBE has sponsored Those Who Excel to honor individuals who have made​​ significant contributions to our state's public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools. Awards are presented in five ​categories: school administrator, student support personnel, educational service personnel, community volunteer, and teams. Nomination materials are evaluated by a selection committee comprised of individuals who represent a variety of educational organizations. ​