On January 27, Grayslake District 127 will host its second annual D127 Day, a celebration of community, learning, and the people who make it all possible. At the heart of the event is the Portrait of Excellence Awards, honoring staff and community partners who go above and beyond to empower students and model the values that define our district. This year, we’re proud to recognize 28 outstanding nominees across seven meaningful categories.
These awards reflect the heart of our district’s vision: the D127 Portrait of a Learner, which defines the skills and values we aspire to model: curiosity, collaboration, investment, resilience, principled action, empathy, and an "unfinished" mindset that embraces continuous growth.
The Portrait of Excellence Award Categories are:
Rookie of the Year (0–4 years of service)
Educational Support Staff
Paraprofessional
Licensed Staff
Group/Department
Department Chair
Community Partner
“These nominees embody what makes D127 such a special place,” said Superintendent Dr. Mikkel Storaasli. “They’re the people who lift others up, go the extra mile, and demonstrate what it means to learn, lead, and serve with heart.”
The nomination process begins with a heartfelt, one-page letter describing why a staff member or community partner deserves this recognition. Building administration teams submit the nominations, and then the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, composed of students from both Grayslake Central and Grayslake North, reviews each letter to select the winners. It's a truly unique element that ensures our students’ voices are part of honoring the adults who help shape their success.
This year’s Portrait of Excellence Awards Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, and it's far more than a traditional awards night; it's a student-powered showcase of all that D127 represents.
Student emcees (Board of Education Student Representatives) host the evening
Culinary II students prepare and serve an elegant dinner
Interns in Woods and Metals craft custom awards
Our new social media intern roll out the “blue carpet” experience, complete with paparazzi-style photos
From start to finish, the evening celebrates real-world learning and meaningful relationships between staff and students.
As one of the most anticipated events of the year, the Portrait of Excellence Ceremony is a reminder that when staff and students learn from one another and grow together, we all thrive.
Stay tuned in January as we announce the 2026 winners. And to all our nominees: thank you for modeling excellence in everything you do.