The Messenger
May 20, 2026
Dr. Corey Tafoya, Superintendent, Districts 75 and 120
From the beginning of last summer until the end of this school year, the MHS staff, students, and community have continually impressed, amazed, and inspired me.
Now that I’ve completed one full year as your superintendent, I can speak from experience about “Mundy Pride.” It’s easy to be proud of so many accomplished students, staff, and programs in District 120. There were too many accomplishments this year to list them all, but there are a few I’d like to highlight.
In early May, several D120 employees were nominated at the Lake County Regional Office of Education Foundation’s Educator of the Year event, and MHS Teacher Kristen Behrens was named the top high school teacher in Lake County.
Last fall, we noted that two of our seniors achieved perfect scores on their ACT exams (taken at the end of their junior years). This spring, three of our Tech Campus students were named Students of the Year in their respective programs. One of those students was a top-five finalist for overall Tech Campus Student of the Year.
Following a winter in which all of our sports teams earned the Illinois High School Association Team Academic Award, our 11 spring sports programs repeated the achievement. They proved that students can prioritize excellence in the classroom while competing at a high level in athletics.
It was another banner year for our music program. MHS had 15 band members named to the Illinois Music Educators Association District VII Honors Ensemble, three of whom auditioned into the All-State level ensembles. Our show choirs garnered several grand champion titles, and our marching band finished among the top 10 in the state.
It’s no wonder MHS received the national Best Communities in Music Education award for the third year in a row.
I’m also proud to say that our construction project is under budget and on time as we enter our busiest stretch of work, thanks in large part to Kevin Quinn, our Facilities and Maintenance Director and project manager. This summer, we’ll begin building the new field house, competition gym, and cafeteria.
Finally, I’d like to credit the hard work of our D120 Business Office for saving taxpayers $7 million on the bond issuance for the construction project. It will reduce the overall payment schedule of the bonds by three full years.
You have every right to be proud of Mundelein High School, just as I am proud to be your superintendent.
MHS construction kicks into high gear this summer
The summer of heavy lifting has started at Mundelein High School.
With an extended summer break, the construction at MHS enters its busiest season of work. The MHS construction team is wasting no time getting started.
Shortly after students’ last day on May 22, workers began demolition of the 67-year-old cafeteria and kitchen servery. The remodeled cafeteria and the west side classroom addition are both expected to be ready for the start of the 2026-27 school year on Sept. 8.
The cafeteria remodeling represents a major improvement for students as it also serves as a commons area. The seating will stretch out to the auditorium. The orientation of the kitchen servery will change and new equipment will be added, improving food options while speeding up the lunch line.
Workers will begin construction of the new fieldhouse and the new competition gym this summer, representing some of the largest portions of the project. During the first week of June, workers will erect the first of 120 precast concrete panels that will make up the walls of the new fieldhouse. Steel joists and decking will be added prior to the installation of the fieldhouse roof in September.
MHS again recognized with Best Communities for Music Education Award
The Mundelein High School Music Program continues to build on its reputation as one of the top programs in the state. Now it is becoming known on a national level.
For the third year in a row, MHS was recognized as one of the “Best Communities for Music Education (BCME)” in the nation. Mundelein was one of just nine individual schools in Illinois to earn the award. The unique and prestigious award is given by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation.
“What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it reflects who we are as a school,” MHS Principal Alexandria Taylor said. “Earning this distinction once is meaningful. Earning it three years in a row tells a deeper story — it speaks to the talent and dedication of our students, the artistry of our staff, and a community that shows up for the arts every single day."
Behrens named top HS educator in Lake County
The Best High School Educator in Lake County teaches at Mundelein High School.
That’s according to the Regional Office of Education Foundation, which awarded the honor to MHS English Teacher Kristen Behrens during its 2026 Educator of the Year Celebration on May 6.
Behrens was among hundreds of nominees who attended the award ceremony at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Mundelein High School also had four nominees in other categories.
D75's new video podcast: "Lights, Camera, Mustangs!"
Mustang Nation, don't miss the last "Lights, Camera, Mustangs" video podcast of the school year.
In episode 8, Superintendent Corey Tafoya talks with graduating senior Mazin Hussain about the dual credit marketing internship he took at MHS and how it led him to getting into an Honors Emerging Leaders Program at Northern Illinois University.
This is just one of the many amazing success stories we've seen at Mundelein High School this year. Mazin is a great example of how we help set up our students to successful futures, in whatever career path they choose.
Go to our YouTube page for the complete list of podcasts. And stay tuned for more episodes as we continue to share what’s happening behind the scenes in our school community.
Board News & Notes
The District 120 Board of Education values communication and transparency. We will be publishing “District 120 News & Notes” after our regular Board of Education meetings and if/as other opportunities arise in order to keep our community informed and connected. News & Notes will focus on actions taken and highlights from administration presentations.
Student Recognition
The Board of Education recognized MHS senior Denver Russell for becoming an individual qualifier for the State Bowling Tournament. Russell, who also was a sectional qualifier for boys golf, plays varsity baseball as well. In addition, he was one of two Mustangs named to the IADA (Illinois Athletic Directors Association) Allstate team this year.
Revised Rental Agreement - Board Approved
The School Board approved the revised rental fee agreement, as recommended by the District’s Facility Rental Committee. The rental tiers and fee schedule was originally approved on Sept. 9. Since then, the committee prepared updated tiers and fee schedules. The changes ensure consistent alignment between user classifications and category definitions. In addition, the revisions streamline the facility fee structure. Agreements for Mundelein Parks and Recreation, Kirk Players and the Mustang Swim Club for next year are still being developed.
MHS senior stacks up awards at Tech Campus
Mundelein High School senior Autumn Brown made the most of her time at the Lake County Tech Campus program this year, helping her jump-start a promising career in health care.
Right now, her biggest challenge seems to be where to keep all of her awards.
Brown was named Student of the Year in the Tech Campus Emergency Medical Service I program. She also earned National Technical Honor Society status, was a top five finalist for overall Tech Campus Student of the Year and named Illinois Principal Association Student of the Year.
MHS Students Earn Top-10 Honors at state FBLA
Mundelein High School's chapter of Future Business Leaders of America had a standout performance at the annual FBLA State Leadership Conference in Springfield in April, with 27 students placing among the top 10 finishers in their respective events.
The Mundelein chapter competed alongside more than 65 chapters from across Illinois in more than 75 competitive events spanning business topics, computer skills, interview events, and presentation categories.
Several MHS students earned national qualifier status by finishing in the top four of their events, earning the opportunity to compete at the FBLA National Leadership Conference in San Antonio this summer.
Spark Spot
Nexus Pen
Blitz Energy
