Rise Center at Columbia

Congratulations to the Novak Academy Class of 2026!! 🎓 We are so proud of each and every one of you and all that you have accomplished. Your hard work, growth, and perseverance have truly paid off. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter!

Every sign tells a story, and every story matters. 💙🧡
Seeing our Novak Academy Class of 2026 displayed proudly outside Rise Center is a reminder of how far these students have come and the bright futures ahead of them. We are proud of each and every one of you!

✨ May Rising Star Award – Tiffany Blackmon ✨

We are so proud to recognize Tiffany Blackmon, our Middle School Restore Teacher, as our May Rising Star! 🌟

Tiffany brings so much heart, patience, and dedication to our students every single day. No matter the challenge, she shows up with compassion and a genuine commitment to building relationships and supporting students through both their successes and struggles. She has created a space where students feel safe, valued, and understood, and that impact reaches far beyond the classroom.

Tiffany is also an incredible team player—always collaborative, solution-focused, and willing to step in and help anyone at any time. Her positive attitude, problem-solving mindset, and commitment to supporting both students and staff make her such an important part of our school community.

Congratulations, Tiffany! We are incredibly grateful for the difference you make every single day and so lucky to have you on our team. 💙👏

Happy Nurse’s Week to an amazing nurse, Katisha Lewis! 💙

We are so grateful for the care, support, and calm presence you bring every time we need you. Thank you for always coming over from Stratton Academy of the Arts School to support our students and staff — we appreciate you more than words can say! 🩺✨

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to our incredible staff! 🍎✨

A small sweet treat from Nothing Bundt Cakes to thank you for the huge impact you make every single day. We are so grateful for all you do for our students and school community ! 💙🧁

🌟⭐️🎉April Rising Star Award and Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation Shining Star🎉⭐️🌟

Congratulations to Ryan O’Connor, English Teacher at Novak, for being our Rising Star Award recipient for the month of April!

Ryan consistently goes above and beyond to create a classroom environment where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired. His passion for English is evident in the way he engages students in meaningful discussions, encourages critical thinking, and fosters a genuine love for learning.

What truly sets Ryan apart is his unwavering commitment to doing what’s best for students. He builds strong relationships, holds high expectations, and shows up every day ready to make a difference—no matter the challenges.

We are also proud to share that Ryan was recognized as a CU Schools Foundation Shining Star, further highlighting the impact he has beyond his classroom.

Thank you, Ryan, for the positive impact you make on your students, your team, and our entire school community. We are grateful for you and proud to celebrate you!

Today we celebrate our incredible administrative professionals, Jen and Maria! 💙

Your dedication, organization, and constant support keep everything running smoothly day in and day out. From the big moments to the smallest details, you both handle it all with grace, patience, and a smile.

The impact you have on our staff, students, and families does not go unnoticed. We are so grateful for everything you do to make The Rise Center such a welcoming and successful place.

Happy Administrative Professionals Day, Jen and Maria! 🎉 We appreciate you more than words can say!

Shoutout to our amazing administrator, Aimee Davis, for all she does for our students!

Your dedication and care never go unnoticed—we’re so grateful for the impact you make every day. 💙