DeKalb High School’s Mark Sykes recognized with the 2025 Wirtz Award for Excellence in Education
Mark Sykes, a 32-year veteran educator and current assistant athletic director, driver’s education teacher, and multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) tier 1 coach, is the 2025 Wirtz Award for Excellence in Education recipient. Sykes was presented the award during a surprise assembly with students and colleagues on April 25, 2025, at the high school. Sykes was additionally recognized as the 2024-2025 Assistant Athletic Director of the Year for the state of Illinois by the Illinois Athletic Directors Association.
Established in 1989 to
honor the memory of William Wilbur Wirtz (1887-1965), Alfa White Wirtz (1883-1931), and Jeann Sohner Wirtz (1902-1985), the Wirtz Foundation presents the award each year. The Wirtz Award encourages high standards of innovative achievement that bring quality to a public school system and vitality to a community. Outstanding employees of DeKalb School District 428 are recognized annually for their distinguished service and who raise young people’s sights or promote a program or organization that lifts a student’s sense of human values and purpose
Sykes began his career with DeKalb CUSD in 1993. In addition to being a driver education instructor for the past 24 years and assistant athletic director since 2012, he has served as a special education teacher, dean of students, and coach for more than 29 years in boys and girls basketball and football.
“Receiving the Wirtz Award is a deeply humbling and honorable experience,” said Sykes. “I recognized the significant influence of outstanding leaders who mentored me, as well as the invaluable support and collaboration of great colleagues and the amazing students who surrounded me. I feel that these individuals have played a crucial role in shaping me into the person I am today. This recognition clearly resonates with me on a personal level, acknowledging the impact of the people who have supported and guided me through this wonderful journey. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a Barb for the last 32 years, and I look forward to finishing my career here.”
Sykes' contributions to the district go well beyond the classroom, courts or playing fields. He was instrumental in helping secure a $25,000 grant from State Farm from Celebrate My Drive and a $50,000 grant from ComEd for the purchase of an electric vehicle and a charging station for driver education. He’s also credited with creating the Crows' Nest (student section) at the start of the 2000-2001 girls basketball season.
In his multiple nominations from colleagues, some of whom were also former students, Sykes is noted for his tireless dedication to his students, colleagues and community with one nominator sharing, “Whether it’s supporting athletic teams, organizing school events, or offering mentorship to student in need, Mark is always there with a kind word and helping hand.”
Selection of the Wirtz Award was made by educators nominated and recommended by current District 428 staff and was based on the nominee’s ability to positively influence, motivate, and inspire students. The 2025 nominees for the Wirtz Award for Excellence in Education are Cora Benner (4th Grade, Brooks Elementary), Ashley Carlson (Special Education, Malta Elementary), Samantha Peek (Counselor, Huntley Middle School), Mark Sykes (Drivers Education/Asst. Athletics Director, DeKalb High School), and Julie Stubblefield (MTSS-B, Education Center).
Pictured above: DeKalb High School Principal Dr. Donna Larson
and Wirtz Award Recipient Mark Sykes.