Behind the Scenes: Two Longtime School Supporters Get Big Recognition

Two women who have quietly shaped the Highland Local Schools experience for years will finally get their moment in the spotlight. Kristine Nerlich, a high school science teacher with nearly two decades under her belt, and Koula Makris, a community volunteer since 2014, were named winners of the 2026 Highland Pride Awards. The awards will be handed out at a school board meeting next Monday evening, followed by a small reception. Unlike flashy trophies, this honor comes from a group of staff and community members who spent months reviewing public nominations. No surprise winners here—just people who’ve shown up consistently for students and teachers. Nerlich isn’t just any science teacher. For the past three years, she’s organized student trips to Costa Rica, blending fieldwork, culture, and environmental learning. Nearly 100 students and teachers have joined these adventures, which go beyond normal classroom lessons. She also leads the Environmental Club and helps run HOSA, a health sciences program. One nomination called her "a leader who creates chances for others. "Makris’s impact is harder to measure because it’s spread across so many areas. She’s organized teacher appreciation events, volunteered in classrooms, and even helped plan after-prom activities. The robotics team and art department have benefited from her help too. Her family has also donated to student groups and school programs. One teacher put it simply: "She makes us feel valued. " What’s interesting here isn’t just the awards—it’s how these two represent different ways people support schools. Nerlich inspires students directly through hands-on learning, while Makris keeps the school running smoothly behind the scenes. Both show that education isn’t just about teachers in classrooms.