Lisa Schweska receives Horace Mann Educator of the Year, over 30 years after her mother was honored with same award

Lisa Schweska was in just her second year of teaching in Springfield District 186 when her mother, Jean Ahlberg, was named the Horace Mann Educator of the Year in 1992.

Schweska attended the award luncheon and even helped draft part of the nomination for her mother, a French teacher at Lanphier High School.

So when Schweska was recently presented the same teaching award at a surprise assembly at Black Hawk Elementary School on April 10, the emotions flowed.

Erika Metz, an assistant principal at Southeast High School, was named Administrator of the Year in a separate assembly.

Horace Mann Educators Corporation, which is headquartered in Springfield, has been a sponsor of the awards program since its inception in 1988.