School News

District 155 schools have all ranked in the top eight percent nationally and the top 12 percent in the state according to U.S. News and World Report's Best Public High Schools 2022 list. Twenty-four thousand public high schools throughout the country were evaluated, with results based state exam performance and college preparedness. 

All D155 schools ranked in the top 100 in Illinois; with Cary-Grove earning the no. 54 spot in the state, Prairie Ridge earned no. 55, Crystal Lake South sits at no. 66, and Crystal Lake Central is at no. 83 in Illinois rankings. More than seven-hundred schools in Illinois were evaluated for this prestigious list.

"This type of prestigious recognition is a testament to the supportive families in District 155 along with the staff and students' determination and dedication towards learning." said Steve Olson, D155 Superintendent, "Our mission is to empower students to Enter with Promise and Leave with Purpose. These rankings are proof of our commitment to excellence and preparing students for the future."

To view the full Best Public High Schools list, and further detailed results of D155 high schools, please click here.

Prairie Ridge junior Rylee Lydon wins the state title in the high jump, clearing 1.68m. Rylee placed in more than one category at the girls track and field state championship, also earning 3rd place in the long jump and 7th place in the 400 meter dash. 

"I’m just super thankful I was healthy and feeling like myself again by the time state came around, and coming home with another state title is a great feeling," said Rylee, "Next year, I’m really looking forward to not only choosing a college to compete at, but also widening my variety of events."

The Prairie Ridge girls track and field team has a great season overall, with Rylee's teammates Rachel Soukup and Haylee Yelle also placing in the state competition. 

The Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce awarded the 2022 Carl E. Wehde Award to the D155 Business Incubator Program! The business incubator program provides students an opportunity to learn business and entrepreneurship skills in partnership with local businesses.

Carl Wehde served as school board president where he championed the connection between community involvement and student enrichment. D155 is honored to be recognized for this commitment to personalized education and community relationships. 

Prairie Ridge Industry & Careers and Wellness Division Leader Bryan Peckhart and Business Education Teacher Ryan O'Neill attended the annual dinner and award ceremony to accept this award.

Prairie Ridge's Daren Dusenske was named one of McHenry County Regional Office of Education's first-ever Educator of the Year.

"It was such a surprise, and a tremendous honor, that one of the families I work with thought to nominate me and to go through all the work that was required, including acquiring other recommendations from administrators and other families, community members and former students," said Daren.

"I feel like this is as much an award for all of the Student Services Department at PR instead of just for me - I'm the counselor I am because of our collaboration over the years and the incredible example they set every day."

Congratulations to all of the Prairie Ridge autos students that are now ASE certified, these certifications open up many doors in the automotive industry.

The ASE certifications are the highest level of certification offered in the automotive industry. A lot of hard work is required for this achievement, which is also a testament to the program led by Mr. Agolli.

"These certifications are not easy to get," said Mr. Agolli. "After taking two years of autos classes, students have the opportunity to take the ASE entry level tests to get certified."