Two District 155 seniors, Braedan Mendro, Cary-Grove High School, and Jackson Lisle, Crystal Lake Central High School, have been named semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit Semifinalists. This prestigious program recognizes the top-performing high school students in the nation based on their PSAT/NMSQT scores. Semifinalists represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors and now have the opportunity to advance to finalist standing, which could lead to National Merit Scholarships totaling more than $28 million nationwide.

Braedan Mendro is active in student council, national honor society, CG elevate, invest CG, disc golf club, and baseball, and serves on the student council board. He credits teachers Tim Garis and Matthew Hawley for inspiring him to fully engage in his classes.

“They were both so passionate about their classes and preparing students for success—it made me want to put my full effort in,” said Braedan Mendro, Cary-Grove senior.

Braedan also highlights the support of his family. After high school, he plans to study mechanical engineering and hopes to pursue research in nuclear fusion or robotics.

Jackson Lisle, student council president at Crystal Lake Central, balances leadership roles with involvement in national honor society, legacy club, math team, scholastic bowl, varsity tennis, and Central Crazies. He thanks teachers like Audrey Mazzuca and Angela Welder for their support and impact on his academic growth.

“Mrs. Mazzuca’s passion for science inspired me to pursue a career that I love, and Mrs. Welder taught me grammar and test-taking skills I still use today,” said Jackson Lisle, Crystal Lake Central senior.

Outside the classroom, Jackson serves on the Crystal Lake City Youth Commission, assists in a mobile app development class, and completed an internship with Every Page Counts, a publishing company. He plans to study finance and computer science to explore his interests in technology and business.

The achievements of Braedan and Jackson reflect District 155’s dedication to academic excellence and its focus on preparing students for success beyond high school. 

Cary-Grove High School is celebrating two prestigious honors from the Illinois Art Education Association (IAEA). Art teacher Wendy Guss has been named the 2025 Secondary Art Educator of the Year, and the school itself has been recognized as a 2025 School of Distinction for its art, design, and media programs.

The Secondary Art Educator of the Year Award recognizes outstanding art, design, and media educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching, leadership, and contributions to the field. Recipients are nominated by colleagues or administrators and evaluated by a statewide panel of educators based on their impact in the classroom, professional involvement, and support of the broader arts community. 

“I do what I do because of others, the support of my district, my colleagues, and my students. This award is a celebration of all of us, and the traditions and legacy we build together in the art program,” said Wendy Guess, award recipient.

Wendy Guss, who has taught at Cary-Grove for 27 years, exemplifies these qualities. She has grown the Graphic Design program into a fully functional in-house design studio and launched signature events such as the Odyssey Spring Show, which just marked its 20th anniversary. Under her leadership, students create, promote, and sell their own artwork, gaining professional-level experience that has led to millions of dollars in scholarships and dozens of graduates pursuing creative careers nationwide.

Cary-Grove’s School of Distinction designation honors schools that provide rigorous, innovative art, design, and media education while fostering creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and social-emotional growth. Schools are selected through a competitive application process that includes documentation of curriculum, student work, community engagement, and evidence of meaningful outcomes. Cary-Grove’s art department, led by teachers Wendy Guss and Lindsey DiLeo, is one of just five programs statewide to receive this recognition.

Cary-Grove senior Kennedy Manning has been named the Chicago Bears Girls Flag Football Player of the Week, presented by Dunkin’.

Kennedy plays quarterback and safety and has been a driving force in Cary-Grove’s inaugural season. She rushed for 145 yards and a touchdown, passed for 179 yards and two scores, and recorded three interceptions including a 50-yard pick-six in a four-overtime win over McHenry, finishing the game with the winning conversion.

“The recognition allows girls' flag football, women's sports, and Cary-Grove High School to shine even brighter. I'm glad I was able to help put a light on how great women athletes can be and how good Cary-Grove High School is at creating disciplined, high-achieving athletes,” said Kennedy Manning.

As part of the award, Kennedy will be recognized at the Bears game on November 23 and will have the opportunity to donate $500 to a charity of her choice. She has not yet chosen a charity but hopes to support organizations that provide girls with opportunities to play sports, have the best equipment, and receive recognition and support to grow women’s athletics.

For the seventh consecutive year, all four Community High School District 155 high schools have been ranked among the top 14% of public high schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best High Schools rankings. Nearly 18,000 public high schools were ranked nationwide, based on graduation rates, state assessment performance, and college readiness, out of more than 24,000 reviewed. 

All four schools also earned recognition among the best high schools in the state of Illinois.

Cary-Grove - 68

Prairie Ridge High - 87

Crystal Lake Central - 102

Crystal Lake South -108

“As a district, we remain deeply committed to ensuring that our schools are rigorous, relevant, and responsive to the needs of our students and community,” said Dr. Neil Lesinski, superintendent. "We celebrate recognition when it comes, but our true measure of impact is found in our students’ growth, their readiness for life after high school, and the positive contributions they make to their communities. That’s the work we are proud to stand behind every day."

The U.S. News rankings highlight the excellence of District 155’s high schools and reflect the district’s commitment to providing students with a broad range of opportunities, innovative learning experiences, and a supportive, inclusive environment that prepares them for success beyond high school.