For many, summer is a time to relax and unwind, putting work on the back burner. Educators across Illinois, however, were just as busy over the summer. Below are some special kudos for exceptional Illinois educators and learners who participated in our events these past few months.
CERTIFIED Educator Conference Highlights
CERTIFIED is the only education conference dedicated exclusively to exploring the full promise of certification in the classroom. Administrators, teachers, and industry experts from across the country come together to learn, train, and collaborate.
This past June, we gathered in Orlando, Florida, at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista hotel. We celebrated our tenth anniversary, and this was our biggest CERTIFIED Conference yet!
As part of our milestone celebration, we held our first Educator Appreciation and Awards Gala to recognize the outstanding contributions of educators and administrators over the past year.
We recognized two individuals from Illinois for their dedication:
- Frank LaMantia, Curriculum Director of CTE, Community High School District 218, Oak Lawn, Illinois, won the Outstanding Administrator Award: Thirteen years ago, Frank introduced the Microsoft certifications in three schools, overcoming initial resistance. What began as a pilot project evolved into a remarkable success story. Under Frank's vision and leadership, the certification program expanded across many schools, covering a diverse range of certifications, from Adobe Certified Professional to Intuit QuickBooks Online Certified User. Through his dedication, Frank has made a lasting impact on education, opening doors for students statewide to pursue meaningful opportunities and build brighter futures.
- Teriah Abrams, CTE Department Chair/IT Academy Coordinator, Stephen T. Mather High School, Chicago, Illinois, won the Community Impact Award: In addition to her department chair role, Teriah is actively involved in her community through the When Black and Brown Men Teach and Women in Business and IT programs. These programs aim to identify students interested in career fields where their demographic is under-represented and help them explore a path to success. Students have access to internships, mentorship from teachers and industry professionals, and certification opportunities to prepare them for the workforce. A shining example of excellence in education, Teriah’s commitment to continuous learning and growth is an inspiration to her students.
These leaders create a supportive environment for students, helping them develop the in-demand skills necessary for success, and illustrating the impact of certification in shaping their futures.
Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship Highlights
Occurring alongside the CERTIFIED Educator Conference, the Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship challenges students aged 13 to 22 from around the United States to demonstrate their expertise in Microsoft Word, Excel®, and PowerPoint®. The championship took place after a series of state competitions, and 195 finalists gathered at the live event this summer.
We’d like to congratulate the two students from Illinois who placed in the top 10 in their respective categories and recognize them for the achievements:
- Brady Dingmann, from Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora, achieved fifth place in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft 365 Apps).
- Quentin Black, from Flora High School in Flora, secured tenth place in Microsoft Word (Office 2019).
Adobe Certified Professional U.S. National Championship Highlights
Students certified in Microsoft aren’t the only ones who gathered this summer to compete. We also hosted the Adobe Certified Professional U.S. National Championship to allow students to showcase their skills in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign.
Across the U.S., students ages 13 to 22 became eligible for Certiport’s Adobe Certified Professional U.S. National Championship by earning an Adobe Certified Professional certification. Certified students entered original design creations and 50 were selected to compete at the national level. Finalists had eight hours to create a design project for , representatives from which also served as judges for the competition.
At the end of the competition, Kristina Mohr, from Hononegah Community High School in Rockton, was crowned the Adobe Certified Professional U.S. National Champion. When asked about her victory, she said, “When I heard my name as the winner, I was just very surprised. I feel kind of euphoric, in disbelief a little bit. But I am excited.” As the gold medalist, Kristina advanced to the Adobe Certified Professional World Championship.
Adobe Certified Professional World Championships Highlights
After her first-place win at the U.S. national level, Kristina continued to the Adobe Certified Professional World Championship at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California. There, she designed a poster for . Her design was well-received, and she walked away with the People’s Choice Award.
These competitions celebrate the effort and dedication of every participant. Brady, Quentin, and Kristina’s skills and expertise in Microsoft and Adobe applications are remarkable, and we look forward to seeing where their journeys take them in the future!
What’s next?
There’s a busy year ahead! The , plus the and , will take place June 16-18 in Dallas, Texas. We’re looking forward to showcasing the next generation of talent!
Looking to learn more from our teachers and learners in the Prairie State? Watch our about the use and impact of certifications in Illinois.