Crete-Monee High School’s Educators Rising scholars had the extraordinary opportunity to attend the 2026 Educators Rising National Conference, held June 20–23 in Portland, Oregon. Centered around the theme “Teach with Purpose, Lead with Passion,” the multi-day conference brought together approximately 3,300 aspiring educators from across the nation for an inspiring experience focused on learning, leadership, professional growth, and competition.
Throughout the conference, CMHS students participated in hands-on workshops, engaging keynote sessions, networking opportunities, and national competitive events designed to showcase their knowledge, creativity, communication skills, and passion for education. From job interviews and creative lectures to children’s literature and interactive bulletin boards, our scholars proudly represented Crete-Monee High School on the national stage.
The following CMHS Educators Rising scholars participated in national competitive events:
- Terrell Henderson — Job Interview
- Isis Shores — Educators Rising Moment
- Heidi Rogers and Erin Neal — Interactive Bulletin Board: Elementary Level
- Gracie Culver — Children’s Literature: PreK–K
- Aaliyah Hudson — Children’s Literature: PreK–K
- Tymar Elayyan — Creative Lecture
- Violet Hawkins — Children’s Literature: K–3
- Serenity Sterdivant Richardson — Exploring Non-Core Subject Teaching Careers: Art
- Symira Johnson — Exploring Non-Core Subject Teaching Careers: Health
Accompanying and supporting our scholars throughout this experience were chaperones Sarah Valerio and Ivy Wilcher, along with Principal Lamont Holifield. Their presence and commitment helped ensure that students could fully engage in this tremendous educational and professional opportunity.
This experience was made even more remarkable by the generosity that made the trip possible. Although funding for the school’s Education Pathway ended last year, Principal Holifield remained committed to ensuring that students would not lose access to transformative opportunities designed to prepare and inspire the next generation of educators. He developed a proposal outlining the vision and potential impact of the experience, which was subsequently supported by an anonymous private donor who generously funded the entire $21,000 cost of the trip and project.
This extraordinary investment provided our scholars with an opportunity that extended far beyond a conference. It allowed them to travel, compete nationally, build professional networks, learn alongside aspiring educators from across the country, and envision themselves as future leaders in classrooms and schools.
At Crete-Monee High School, we understand that developing the next generation of educators requires more than simply encouraging students to consider teaching—it requires providing them with meaningful opportunities to experience the profession, develop their talents, and see what is possible.
We are incredibly proud of our Educators Rising scholars and remain steadfast in our commitment to cultivating a strong pipeline of future educators. Our vision is clear: to see the next generation of Crete-Monee High School alumni return to classrooms, schools, and communities as educators and educational leaders who will inspire those who come after them. The journey continues, and the future of education is rising right here at Crete-Monee High School.