Published April 10, 2025

For their work in creating an immensely popular and instructive guitar and mariachi program, Wheeling High School music teachers Marlyn Barrera-Carrera, Stephen Colella and Michael Malek have earned the 2024 Dr. A. Ennis Innovator Award from High School District 214.

The legacy of the late Dr. Ennis, District 214’s sixth superintendent, lives on through this annual award. It is presented to an employee or team of employees who have demonstrated leadership in the development and implementation of an idea to improve student learning and achievement.

This year the honorees’ story is built upon responding to student needs and interests in ways that created new learning opportunities and generated excitement community wide. Two years ago, orchestra teacher Barrera-Carrera dreamed of bringing a new experience to WHS students, school and community. Her colleagues embraced the idea and went to work building a guitar and mariachi program that already has become the school’s biggest music program. Mariachi students play at school and district events, other schools and for park districts and community events.  WHS this year hosted its inaugural Guitar Day, inviting guitar students from across the district to participate in professional-level workshops. In addition, the guitar and mariachi program functions as a "home" to many WHS students, where they can express and celebrate cultural identity. 

Other Ennis Award nominees included:

• Buffalo Grove High School teaching and learning facilitator Tim Kosiek, whose leadership in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and innovative teaching practices has set a new standard for excellence, inspiring educators to embrace forward-thinking strategies that enhance student learning. Tim has played a pivotal role in designing and delivering professional development, from leading impactful PD sessions to planning engaging and meaningful Institute Days. In addition, he mentors new teachers, guiding them to become confident and effective educators. 

• Elk Grove High School’s English EL Vertical team, composed of Laura Bjankini, Natasha Bulava, Yuliana Lopez, Matt Snow, Mecca Sadler and Dinazia Yarger – English teachers across all grade levels. The team was nominated for its work in redefining equity and opportunity for English Learners through a 5-year effort. This team worked to detrack courses, align curriculum, pilot differentiated instruction tools, implement culturally responsive teaching, and improve access to AP and dual-credit courses starting freshman year. The result? An equitable representation of Hispanic and White students in AP English courses.

• Nominees from Forest View are Kathy Gannon, partnership manager, and Dr. Marcella Zipp, director, of District 214’s Apprenticeship Program. The two earned their nomination for vision, leadership and innovation in developing and expanding the program. Since launching in 2020, they have built a nationally recognized model connecting students to meaningful, year-long, career-aligned, work-based learning experiences. Their work involves countless details: recruiting employers, encouraging students to blend traditional senior year work with employment, educating parents, developing training programs, securing grants and much more.

• Prospect High School’s Erik Hodges, social science and education pathway teacher, for his innovative work in developing and teaching new education courses that have had a profound impact on students and staff. As a Teacher Leader Facilitator (TLF), Hodges supports educators in integrating technology into their classrooms, fostering creativity, and enhancing student engagement through innovative instructional strategies. He also plays a crucial part in onboarding, training, and mentoring all new staff members – a role in which he has prioritized supporting and empowering new educators.

• Business pathway teachers Mike Drenth, of Rolling Meadows High School, and Robert (Bob) Murphy, of John Hersey High School,  for developing software to enhance learning in finance and investing. This innovative software allows students to apply finance and investing knowledge in real-time through portfolio management simulations. This tool not only deepens students’ understanding of financial concepts but also cultivates skills such as risk assessment, strategic planning, and decision-making under uncertainty. Through leadership and collaboration, the two have improved the District’s ability to prepare students for real-world challenges.