Published June 11, 2025
Nate Mabry and Veronica Znajda are the 2025 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.
Mabry, who graduated from John Hersey High School in May, is a 3-sport standout, having earned state medals in gymnastics, diving and soccer. Among his many accomplishments, Nate, as a sophomore, won state titles for all-around, vault and rings in the final year of IHSA boys gymnastics competition. A 3-year varsity starter, he was a key contributor in Hersey’s 2024 state soccer championship. He began diving as a sophomore with no previous experience and finished among the top 10 in IHSA state finals competition in both his junior and senior years.
Nate’s leadership work, in addition to serving as a captain for both soccer and diving teams, included active membership in Hersey’s Service Over Self club and working as a youth tumbling instructor.
He also compiled a sterling academic record, building a 4.57 GPA and earning status as a National Merit Commended Scholar and AP Scholar with Distinction. He is a 3-time Academic All-American for USA Gymnastics.
Znajda, who graduated from Prospect High School in May, is a 4-year varsity distance runner in cross country and track and field; she earned all-state, all-area and all-conference honors in both sports. A 7-time all-state athlete. Veronica is a 3-time event state champion and played an integral role in Prospect winning two team state championships, three team runner-ups and a third-place team trophy.
Beyond her athletic performance, Veronica has consistently demonstrated superb sportsmanship, leadership and citizenship. Veronica has given back to programs that helped her get to this point in her career. Whether it be working at a junior high cross country or track meet, volunteering to work summer youth running camps, Veronica shows gratitude and support for the future of the sport.
Veronica also excels academically, compiling a 4.53 GPA and earning IHSA Academic All-State honors. In addition, she is a member of the National Honor Society, World Language National Honor Society and served as both a Knights’ Way leader and peer tutor for SAT’s through Schoolhouse.world.
The awards honor the legacy of Howard Lester, who worked 42 years in education and served as the District 214 coordinator of health, physical education, athletics and driver education. Buffalo Grove High School's gymnasium is named after Lester, recognizing his lifetime dedication to young people.
