Summit Hill 161 Honors Teacher and Communications Specialist

Frankfort School District 161 Meeting | November 19, 2025

Article Summary: Summit Hill School District 161 celebrated two of its dedicated staff members on Wednesday, presenting the November Summit Award to first-grade teacher Kristy Balta and recognizing Public Relations Specialist Marianne Ryan for winning three state-level communications awards.

Staff Recognition Key Points:

• Kristy Balta, a 24-year veteran of the district, received the Summit Award after being nominated by appreciative parents.

• Marianne Ryan earned three awards from the Illinois School Public Relations Association (INSPRA) for writing, photography, and the district’s community newsletter.

• The recognitions highlight excellence in both classroom instruction and district-wide communication.

Frankfort School District 161 took time during its meeting on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, to celebrate the achievements of two staff members for their contributions to students and the community.

First-grade teacher Kristy Balta of Dr. Julian Rogus School was named the November Summit Award winner. Balta, who has taught in the district for 24 years, was nominated by parents Amy and Chad Trueblood. In their nomination, they praised her for transforming their daughter’s attitude toward school. “She changed our daughter’s perception of school and has curated her passion for learning,” they wrote. Administrators also lauded Balta as “the glue that holds a building together.”

The board also recognized Marianne Ryan, the district’s Public Relations Specialist, for her recent success at the Illinois School Public Relations Association (INSPRA) Communications Contest. Ryan received three awards for her work:

• Award of Excellence: In the writing category for a story about an Eagle Scout project at Dr. Julian Rogus School.

• Award of Merit: In the photography category for her “Graduation Day Vibes” photo.

• Honorable Mention: In the newsletter category for “Engage 161,” the district’s community newsletter.

“We have come a long way in the development of a public relations program and social media presence attributable to the efforts of Marianne Ryan,” said an administrator.