Super Star Award Winners

CUSF announced its new 2023 Super Star Award for Unit 4 and District 116 support staff and paraprofessionals. This award recognizes the value of exceptional school support staff. Kelly Hill, CUSF Executive Director notes, “Our schools would simply not run as effectively or efficiently without the many supporting talents and expertise of these essential staff members. From multilingual teaching aides, student support advocates, office managers, food service assistants, hall monitors, student engagement advocates, and custodial workers, these individuals help build relationships with students’ and staff which are often the “secret sauce,” for successful schools.”


Below are the 2023 Super Star individuals representing Unit 4 Schools. They received a $250 thank-you award from CUSF for their positive contributions to the 2022-23 school year.


  • Josh Black - Student Support Advocate, Garden Hills Academy
  • Mary Calhoun - Teacher’s Aide, Jefferson Middle School
  • Lori Earl - Office Manager, Kenwood Elementary School
  • Cindy Scott - Food Service, Columbia Building 
  • Tameka Turner - Teacher’s Aide, Carrie Busey Elementary School
  • Jaime Watts - Teacher’s Aide, Champaign Early Childhood Center