Central High School teacher named 2025 Kane County Educator of the Year

St. Charles North grad takes top prize in annual educators’ recognition

More than 700 guests gathered at the Q Center in St. Charles to celebrate the exceptional contributions of educational professionals across Kane County at the 49th Kane County Educator of the Year Banquet on May 2.

The annual event, hosted by the Kane County Regional Office of Education, was a showcase of the dedication and passion of educators in all types of roles as well as the impact they make on students and their communities.

Among the 46 nominees, Gemma Gurney of Central High School was named the 2025 Kane County Educator of the Year.

Gurney, a second-year teacher in Central Unit School District 301, accepted the award among friends, family, and colleagues as she spoke about her profound dedication to her students and community.

“Being an educator always just felt like the thing that I was supposed to do. I went to St. Charles North High School, so a lot of my influence comes from Kane County schools,” Gurney told the ROE in an interview before the banquet. “I’m not the same person I was in high school, and it’s okay to show who you are and be vulnerable. I watch teachers do that, and I think it’s admirable, to be who you truly are in front of your students. Mine know when they are going to have the authentic version of me.”

Gurney expressed her desire to consistently create meaningful moments in the classroom and to use visual, interactive elements to engage students with historical topics as well as current events.

“I’m successful when my students experience learning and not just ‘do’ learning. That means they create a memory around my classroom. I want their classroom experience to be alive. If they can associate the content I’ve taught them with something they’ve physically seen or interacted with in my class, then when they graduate, they can connect the content back to that memory.”

The evening was not only a tribute to outstanding educational staff, but also a celebration of the contributions made by 181 retiring educators.

Those in attendance were recognized for their 4,618 combined years of service, most of which was spent among the nine public school districts across the county.

Highlighting the collaborative spirit of students, staff, and community, the East Aurora High School Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps presented the colors for the evening, while the Bartlett High School Jazz Combo provided entertainment throughout the night.

“This event is meant to celebrate the dedication, leadership, and inspiration of these individuals that shape our schools and enriched the lives of our students,” said Patricia Dal Santo, Regional Superintendent for Kane County. “What makes this process so memorable is because of the collaboration involved. Entire school communities come together to acknowledge those who are just beginning their careers, those who are stepping away after decades of dedication, those who are no longer with us, and those who simply try to make every day meaningful.”

Among the attendees were state Rep. Matt Hanson (D-IL), Kane County Board Chair Corinne Pierog, and fellow board members, representatives of the Kane County governmental staff, and Kane County ROE Regional Board of Trustees members.

“The Kane County Educator of the Year Awards are always among our most anticipated events each year because this reminds us of what is worth advocating for in education,” Dal Santo said. “The people make the difference, and this is our way of letting these educators know that we see their hard work and recognize every bit of themselves that they pour into their relationships with students, families, and colleagues.”

Nominations were reviewed by a group of student teachers, retired teachers, university representatives, business representatives, national board certified teachers, and Kane County ROE staff members.

Other winners from the event include:

• Regional Superintendent Award: Monika Hubble (Rotolo Middle School, Batavia Unit District 101)

• Educational Service Personnel: Heather Mendel (Rotolo Middle School, Batavia Unit District 101)

• Student Support Personnel: Olivia Bennett (Geneva High School, Geneva Unit District 304)

• Early Career Educator: Micah Hook (West Aurora High School, West Aurora Unit District 129)

• Elementary/Early Childhood Teacher: Michelle Bannerman (Hampshire Elementary, Algonquin-based Community Unit District 300)

• Middle School Teacher: Kari Pitstick (Kaneland Harter Middle School, Kaneland Unit District 302)

• High School Teacher: Ben Provencher (St. Charles East High School, St. Charles Unit District 303)

• School Administrator: Dr. David Ballard (East Aurora Unit District 131)