PALATINE, Ill. – Today, Lincoln Elementary School in Palatine held a surprise school assembly to announce that Mario Diaz Albarran, the school’s head custodian, was selected as the sole winner of the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award by the U.S. Department of Education. The prestigious award celebrates one classified school employee annually for his or her extraordinary contributions to education.
State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders was joined virtually by U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona, who presented the award during the surprise ceremony, as well as RISE Program Director Frances Hopkins and state Rep. Nabeela Syed. View photos and videos from today’s event.
“Across the country, our school professionals are education heroes who meet students’ most fundamental needs and enable our young people to learn, achieve, and thrive,” stated Dr. Cardona. “I am thrilled to announce Mr. Mario Diaz Albarran as this year’s RISE awardee. Through Mr. Diaz Albarran’s work, he not only is ensuring that Lincoln Elementary School is a healthy and safe place for learning, he also is building invaluable relationships with students that truly make a difference. It’s an honor for me to recognize Mr. Diaz Albarran with this year’s award.”
“Mr. Diaz Albarran has created a vivid and empowering environment for students and teachers at Lincoln Elementary School,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “He is changing lives through art and mentorship, and I am thrilled to congratulate him on this incredible honor.”
"We are incredibly proud that Mario Diaz Albarran, Illinois' RISE Award nominee, has been chosen for this prestigious national honor," said Dr. Sanders. "He represents the high caliber of dedication and excellence seen in school professionals throughout Illinois. They're the ones who keep everything running smoothly, from the moment our kids step onto the bus to the last bell of the day. Thank you to Mario and all of our classified employees across the state for your invaluable contributions to ensure our students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn every single day.”
“We could not be more proud of Mario Diaz Albarran on this truly remarkable achievement. Mario’s dedication, hard work, and commitment to the students and staff at Lincoln School exemplify the values we strive for as a school community. On behalf of the Board of Education and I, we extend our sincere gratitude for his commitment to District 15 and the school in which he so deeply -- literally and figuratively -- cares for,” said Superintendent Dr. Laurie Heinz of Community Consolidated School District 15. “Mario’s childhood experiences have helped him connect with students, serve as a role model, and embody our shared belief that all students can achieve anything they set their minds to. We are truly lucky to have such an inspiring individual in our school and district. Congratulations, Mario. We knew you were a rising star and now the whole country does as well.”
"Celebrating Mr. Mario Diaz Albarran is a profound and exciting moment for District 15 and our greater community. His unwavering dedication has shaped the lives of countless students at Lincoln Elementary. Through his leadership, he fosters a culture where students grasp the significance of investing in and improving our community," said state Rep. Syed. “His impact extends far beyond our schools; it resonates in the fabric of our community's future. I'm deeply proud that the students in our district are enriched by the mentorship of such an exceptional individual."
As head custodian, Mario Diaz Albarran is known for his dedication, attention to detail, and connections with students and staff at Lincoln Elementary School in Community Consolidated School District 15, where he has worked for five years. His work ethic and leadership of the custodial team ensures students have pristine and high-functioning facilities that inspire pride and allow them to perform at their best. As a former student at Lincoln Elementary, Diaz Albarran also leverages his personal experiences to mentor students in Lincoln’s Social Emotional, Trauma-Informed Practices, Academic Achievement, Relationships and Character Building (STAR) Program.
Students earn the opportunity to serve as one of his “helpers” as a reward for positive behavior. He uses that time to check in on them, connect, and give guidance on whatever they need help with. One of these helpers, seventh grader Daniel Aguierre, explained how he benefits from his time with Diaz Albarran.
“Sometimes I get really angry so Mr. Diaz has taught me how I can control my anger. Mr. Diaz shared his own life stories so that I could learn from them and not make the same mistakes,” Daniel said. “He teaches me to stop and think and walk away when I’m mad.”
Learn more about 2024 National RISE Award honoree Mario Diaz Albarran on the ISBE website.
Each year, the U.S. Department of Education solicits all states to submit their top two exemplary classified employee nominations for the opportunity to be selected and recognized as the national honoree by the U.S. secretary of education. The program shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked contributions of classified employees. Classified employees include professionals in occupational specialties, such as paraprofessionals, clerical and administrative services, transportation services, food and nutrition services, custodial and maintenance services, security services, health and student services, technical services, and skilled trades.
More information is available on the U.S. Department of Education’s RISE webpage.
