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The Illinois High School Association honors members of the teaching/coaching profession who have coached speech/theatre in the State of Illinois for at least 15 years with the John M. Hires Distinguished Service Award. Recognition of outstanding service and extraordinary contributions to the IHSA is made to the recipients upon their retirements.
The Illinois Communication and Theatre Association is glad to support this award and joins with the IHSA in congratulating the recipients.
Recipients of the John M. Hires Distinguished Service Award
2026
Marilee Applebee, Seneca High School, ICTA Second Vice President, 2025-2026
Steve Johnson, Ottawa High School
Roberta James, Wheaton Warrenville South High School
Dirk Palmer, Byron High School
2025
No Award Given
2024
Tom Witting, Revis High School, ISTA Treasurer, 2003-2006
Chuck Cavazos, Elk Grove High School, ISTA Media Ed Chair, 1998-2002
2023
Tim Connors, Freeport High School, ICTA President, 2025-2026
Laurie Pillen, Rochelle High School
Bill Fleming, Downers Grove North High School
Patt Cheney, Oak Park River Forest High School
Ed Jodlowski, Olympia High School, ISTA President, 2007-2008
2022
Janine Stroemer, Homewood-Flossmoor High School, ICTA President, 2021-2022
Tom George, Huntley High School
Mark Simon, Metea Valley High School
2021
David Anderson, Hinsdale South High School
Jill Price, Sterling High School
Chuck Price, Sterling High School
2003-2020
No records available
2002
Jeff Berke, Carl Schurz High School
Joe Gerace, Wheaton-Warrenville South
Lynn Heisel, Limestone High School
H. David Fry, Illinois High School Association
Tom Sweeney, Homewood-Flossmoor High School, ISTA Theatre Chair, 1997-1999
Homer Thomas, H.L. Richards High School
Prior to 2002
No records available
We do not know when the first awards were given.