Nerlich, Makris named Highland Pride Award recipients

Submitted by Kelli Crawford-Smith, Highland Schools

The Highland Local School District has announced that Kristine Nerlich and Koula Makris have been selected as the recipients of the 2026 Highland Pride Awards. They were recognized at the Highland Board of Education meeting on May 18.

Nerlich and Makris were chosen by an ad hoc committee of Highland Local School District staff and community members who were tasked with evaluating community-submitted nominations and identifying extraordinary individuals whose work within and for the district exemplifies a true spirit of Highland Pride.

“Kristine Nerlich and Koula Makris have made incredible contributions of their time in service to and support of our Highland students and families, and they are very deserving recipients of the Highland Pride Awards,” said Superintendent Catherine Aukerman. “Both exemplify Highland excellence in action through their unwavering commitment to the care of our students – Kristine, through providing STEM-based learning opportunities, and Koula, through her donation of time and resources to provide students and staff with any support they may need.”

Kristine Nerlich

Kristine Nerlich has been a science teacher at Highland High School for the past 19 years. For the past three years, she has volunteered her time organizing, planning, and chaperoning the science-based student trip to Costa Rica.

Beyond planning for the trip, she prepares trip participants academically and culturally by introducing them to Costa Rican traditions. Nearly 100 Highland students and staff have experienced the biodiversity and culture of Costa Rica through these trips. Students conduct authentic scientific fieldwork, cook alongside Costa Rican chefs, explore diverse ecosystems, and observe wildlife. They experience meaningful cultural exchange and the life-changing opportunity to travel abroad. She is also the Advisor of the Environmental Club and HOSA, where she works to expand STEM learning opportunities for Highland students.

“Because of her generosity, leadership, and passion, the Highland community offers richer opportunities, broader perspectives, and transformative experiences for students,” one nominator said.

Koula Makris

Koula Makris started as a volunteer at Hinckley Elementary when she moved to the district in 2014 and currently donates her time and talents at Highland High School.

When she was at Hinckley Elementary, she ran staff appreciation week lunches and breakfasts, fed bus drivers, helped volunteer in any classrooms where she was needed, stuffed folders when needed and volunteered to help anyone in any way. At the high school, she serves as PTO president, runs the after-prom parent committee, plans dinners for conferences and takes care of everything related to teacher appreciation. She also does volunteer work for the robotics program and the art department. She continues to lead fundraising efforts to help ensure that students have what they need.

Additionally, the Makris family makes financial contributions to organizations within the district to help meet the needs of student organizations and activities.

“Mrs. Makris deserves the Highland Pride Award for the incredible time and resources she dedicates to school activities and teacher support,” one nominator wrote.”From organizing food for conference nights to recognizing teachers during teacher appreciation week, Mrs. Makris makes the teachers of Highland High School feel honored.”