Crystal Lake South High School theatre director Ben Stoner has been honored with the Illinois Theatre Association’s 2025 Award of Excellence in the Secondary Education Division. The recognition was presented on August 9 during the Illinois Theatre Association’s annual Awards of Excellence Celebration.

Stoner has more than 25 years of experience as a theatre director and teacher, and continues to inspire students and contribute to the Illinois theatre community. He was nominated by members of the theatre community and selected by the ITA Board of Directors for his commitment to advancing the art of theatre at the secondary level. 

“I am so humbled to have been honored by an organization that does so much for practitioners of theatre throughout the state of Illinois. This award is a testament to the creative artists and incredible students who have surrounded and supported me throughout my career. I love what I do, and it is very special to have that work recognized by people I admire,” said Ben Stoner, award recipient. 

This honor follows his recent nomination for Best Direction for The SpongeBob Musical from the Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards in June, further highlighting his ongoing excellence in theatre education.

Crystal Lake South High School has been selected as one of only 21 schools nationwide to receive the Disney on Broadway School of Excellence distinction. The program recognizes schools for their exceptional student-led involvement in theatre production and provides resources such as free licensing to produce a Disney musical during the 2025–2026 school year as well as production materials, and access to exclusive webinars led by Broadway professionals.

“It is an absolute honor to have CLS Theatre selected to receive this award. Our students, especially our student leaders, work so hard to build a positive culture, one where creativity and collaboration can thrive and where everyone can have an impact on the final product,” said Ben Stoner, CLS Theater Director.

Schools went through a competitive application process and were evaluated on student creativity, leadership, and engagement across all aspects of theatre, including performance, stagecraft, direction, choreography, and design.

Crystal Lake South will stage Peter and the Starcatcher this fall on October 9, 10, and 11, a play selected for its imaginative storytelling, flexible casting, and opportunities for students to take on leadership roles. Student leaders for this production include:

Will Emanuel – music and pit director
Emerson Chatham  – lighting designer
Chloe Price – choreographer
Tyce Grant – production assistant
Brynn Engle  – stage manager
Jack Burns and Molly Cisco – assistant stage managers
Lilah Stoner – intern and vocal director

“It is so neat to see their leadership recognized. This production will certainly challenge us in many ways, but the students are stepping up, as usual, providing clever solutions and fostering a positive environment,” said Ben Stoner, CLS Theater Director.

For the seventh consecutive year, all four Community High School District 155 high schools have been ranked among the top 14% of public high schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best High Schools rankings. Nearly 18,000 public high schools were ranked nationwide, based on graduation rates, state assessment performance, and college readiness, out of more than 24,000 reviewed. 

All four schools also earned recognition among the best high schools in the state of Illinois.

Cary-Grove - 68

Prairie Ridge High - 87

Crystal Lake Central - 102

Crystal Lake South -108

“As a district, we remain deeply committed to ensuring that our schools are rigorous, relevant, and responsive to the needs of our students and community,” said Dr. Neil Lesinski, superintendent. "We celebrate recognition when it comes, but our true measure of impact is found in our students’ growth, their readiness for life after high school, and the positive contributions they make to their communities. That’s the work we are proud to stand behind every day."

The U.S. News rankings highlight the excellence of District 155’s high schools and reflect the district’s commitment to providing students with a broad range of opportunities, innovative learning experiences, and a supportive, inclusive environment that prepares them for success beyond high school.