Nate Cichy, of Prospect High School, and Julia Korzen, of Elk Grove High School, are the 2026 recipients of High School District 214’s Howard Lester Awards. These awards are presented annually to one male and one female senior athlete in recognition of superior athletic achievements, academics and character, including truthfulness, heart and effort.
Nate was among 26 student athletes named to the Illinois High School Association’s annual All-State Academic Team; he holds a 4.61 weighted GPA and earned a 35 ACT. Nate earned First Team All-State football honors twice, was a two-time team captain, and was named Mid-Suburban League Offensive Player of the Year as a senior. In track and field, Nate was a four-year varsity athlete, two-time team captain, and 2025 varsity track MVP. He was a multiple-time IHSA state qualifier, competing in the 110-meter hurdles, 200 meters and 4x100 relay. He holds school records, including the indoor 60-meter hurdles (breaking Olympian David Kendziera’s school record).
He has also demonstrated a commitment to giving back through his work with the youth football program and as a peer leader. He recently committed to continue his education and play college football at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Julia earned back-to-back state championships in the IHSA state wheelchair bowling tournament in her junior and senior years, after finishing second as a sophomore. Julia’s dedication to practice and improvement showed up in the form of a remarkable state tournament improvement of more than 200 pins from sophomore to junior year.
Julia left little doubt in winning her state titles, scoring more than 200 pins higher than the second-place finisher as a junior and winning by 83 pins as a senior.
Julia’s coaches cite her resilience and determination as success factors. Head coach Tim Redel, who began coaching several years ago while working as an aid for another wheelchair athlete, worked with Julia to improve elements of her bowling technique. He expressed pride in the growing skill and confidence that Julia utilized to earn state titles.
As she looks ahead to the next chapter, Julia said she is open to whatever opportunities come her way.
"My plan is whatever God has for me," Julia said. "I hope that people will continue to be inspired and motivated by my legacy and that my legacy will remain. I can't wait to see IHSA girls bowling grow and I'm excited to see what happens next."