Prairie State Wire

Lincoln Elementary School in Palatine, Illinois, held a surprise assembly to honor Mario Diaz Albarran, the school's head custodian, who has been named the winner of the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award by the U.S. Department of Education. This award acknowledges one classified school employee annually for exceptional contributions to education.

State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders was joined virtually by U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona during the ceremony, along with RISE Program Director Frances Hopkins and state Rep. Nabeela Syed.

Dr. Cardona praised Diaz Albarran's efforts: “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,” he said. “I am thrilled to announce Mr. Mario Diaz Albarran as this year’s RISE awardee."

Governor JB Pritzker also commended Diaz Albarran: “Mr. Diaz Albarran has created a vivid and empowering environment for students and teachers at Lincoln Elementary School,” he stated.

Dr. Sanders expressed pride in Diaz Albarran's achievement: "We are incredibly proud that Mario Diaz Albarran, Illinois' RISE Award nominee, has been chosen for this prestigious national honor," he said.

Superintendent Dr. Laurie Heinz from Community Consolidated School District 15 emphasized Diaz Albarran's impact on students: “We could not be more proud of Mario Diaz Albarran on this truly remarkable achievement."

State Rep. Syed highlighted his influence beyond school grounds: "Celebrating Mr. Mario Diaz Albarran is a profound and exciting moment for District 15 and our greater community," she noted.

Diaz Albarran is recognized for his dedication at Lincoln Elementary School over five years, where he leads the custodial team ensuring high-quality facilities for student performance. He also mentors students through Lincoln’s STAR Program using personal experiences from his own time as a student there.

Seventh grader Daniel Aguierre shared how working with Diaz Albarran helped him manage anger issues: “Sometimes I get really angry so Mr. Diaz has taught me how I can control my anger.”

The U.S Department of Education invites states annually to nominate two exemplary classified employees for national recognition through this program aimed at highlighting their often-overlooked contributions across various occupational specialties.

More details about Mario Diaz Albarran's recognition can be found on the ISBE website or the U.S Department of Education’s RISE webpage​.