Indiana Names Groce Among Two RISE Award Recipients
Mt. Vernon behavior analyst Lacey Groce is one of two Indiana educators selected for the state's Recognizing Achievement in Classified School Employees honor.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Awards
The Indiana Department of Education selected Lacey Groce, a board-certified behavior analyst at Mt. Vernon Community School Corp., as one of Indiana's two RISE Award recipients. Groce learned of the recognition during a surprise announcement on Oct. 23, 2026.
Why it matters
The selection recognizes classified school staff who support students and colleagues, and it positions Groce to be considered for the national RISE Award. It also highlights how Indiana identifies and honors education employees beyond teaching roles.
Indiana may nominate up to two individuals for national RISE recognition, and the state selected two recipients through an IDOE committee approved by the governor. The source does not specify how many total nominations were submitted statewide.
The players
Indiana Department of Education (IDOE)
The state agency that selects Indiana's RISE Award recipients through a committee and runs the Educational Excellence Awards Gala.
Lacey Groce
A board-certified behavior analyst at Mt. Vernon Community School Corp. who supervises the district's Registered Behavior Technicians.
The details
Groce supervises Mt. Vernon's Registered Behavior Technicians and was earlier this year named the district's staff member of the year. She learned of the RISE selection during a surprise announcement with IDOE representatives Anna Shults and Kelly Connelly, and the program stems from the Recognizing Achievement in Classified School Employees Act of 2019.
Timeline
Oct. 23, 2026: Groce learns of her RISE selection at a surprise announcement.
Earlier in 2026: Groce receives Mt. Vernon's staff member of the year award.
Early 2027: The national RISE Award recipient is expected to be announced.
September 2027: Groce is scheduled to receive her state award at IDOE's Educational Excellence Awards Gala.
Recognition Framework
The RISE program, created under the Recognizing Achievement in Classified School Employees Act of 2019, lets each state nominate up to two classified staff members for national honors. Indiana's selection of Groce applies that framework to a behavior analyst, extending recognition beyond teachers to support staff.
Families and staff across Mt. Vernon Community School Corp. see classified employees who support students get formal state recognition. The honor also signals to other support staff in Indiana that their work can be nominated for statewide and national awards.
The takeaway
Recognition programs like RISE help highlight the behind-the-scenes staff who keep schools running. Readers interested in education can watch for the national RISE announcement in early 2027.
What happens next
The national RISE Award recipient is expected to be announced in early 2027, and Groce will receive her state award at IDOE's Educational Excellence Awards Gala in September 2027.
Further reading
Explore more Indiana award news to see how the state recognizes education and community leaders.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Greenfield Daily Reporter.
