Join us in celebrating the 2026 Promising Educators Scholarship recipients!
We are proud to recognize three outstanding students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to pursuing a career in education. Each has shown the passion, leadership, and heart it takes to inspire and uplift the next generation.

Their commitment to serving future generations inspires all of us, and we can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make in our schools and community.

2026 Scholarship Recipients:
Kalarah Williams – Centennial High School 
Audrey Tolbert – Central High School
Isabella Marino  – Urbana High School
 
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The Promising Educator Scholarships were established by retired educators from Unit 4 and District 116 to encourage and support students entering the teaching profession.
 
In Unit 4, the scholarship provides financial assistance to Centennial and Central seniors planning to pursue a career in education and encourages them to return to work in Champaign-Urbana Schools. In District 116, the Promising Educator–Social Worker Scholarship, named in memory of Michael C. Langendorf, supports an Urbana High School student pursuing a career in education or social work, with a similar goal of inspiring them to serve their local community.