Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Rusnock applauds Antietam School District employee as 2026 Pennsylvania RISE Award honoree

Rusnock applauds Antietam School District employee as 2026 Pennsylvania RISE Award honoree

Rep. Jacklyn Rusnock    December 8, 2025 | 2:26 PM

HARRISBURG, Dec. 8 – The Pennsylvania Department of Education has recognized an Antietam School District employee for a national award, state Rep. Jacklyn Rusnock, D-Berks, announced today.

Ken Bonkoski, school facilities manager at Antietam School District, was one of two employees nominated for the 2026 Pennsylvania Recognizing Inspiring School Employees Award. He was nominated by Rusnock and her office.

“I’ve worked closely with Ken and have seen first-hand how deserving he is of this recognition,” Rusnock said. “He goes above and beyond his typical responsibilities at the district to make sure students and staff have an environment that is welcoming and well run.”

“Ken is often the first person in the school buildings, and many times the last to leave,” Rusnock continued. “As a representative, I have the privilege of meeting many dedicated individuals -- but few embody the spirit of service quite like Ken. I was so proud to nominate him for this award and am even prouder to share that he’s been selected.”

The Shapiro administration has asked the U.S. Secretary of Education to consider Bonkoski for the national RISE award, which will be announced this spring.

One of last year’s Pennsylvania RISE recipients, Officer Jim Green from Butler Area School District, was named the national RISE Award winner for his exemplary service to his school community.