Niles Township High School District 219 Superintendent Tom Moore received the 2026 Modelo de la Comunidad Award at the College Board’s Prepárate Conference on April 14, 2026. The award is presented annually to individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, advocacy and service in advancing education and well-being for the Latino community. 

Moore has served as the D219 superintendent since 2022 and serves as chair of the Board of Trustees at the College Board. He leads one of the most diverse school districts in the state of Illinois, where more than 70 languages are represented and 17% of the student population identifies as Latino. Under Moore’s leadership, D219 has eliminated fees for Advanced Placement (AP), removing a key barrier and driving meaningful outcomes for more students to engage in rigorous coursework. D219 also continues to see dramatic increases in participation of Advanced Placement courses across all demographics, with surging scores. The number of students graduating with college credit this year will be an all time high.

“Tom has been a steadfast champion for students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds,” said Luis Narváez Gete, Vice Chancellor of the City College of Chicago. “His leadership reflects a clear and unwavering belief that access and opportunity must be intentionally built within our educational systems.”

Moore emphasized that he accepts the Modelo award on behalf of educators that came before him and the people he works with everyday to serve students, representing “this comunidad that has welcomed me and influenced me, and taught me.” Moore looked to the audience to use their influence on the next generation and “to use our breaths” to give voice to the voiceless.

This recognition also points to Moore’s impact beyond the classroom and his ongoing efforts to transform the lives of students. “His voice, his presence and his consistent support at each of the Prepárate Conferences demonstrate his commitment to the Latino community,” remarked Daniel Villanueva, Senior Director of Growth Marketing & Analytics at Rice University. “Tom has shown what it means to be a true ally by championing Latino student success while uplifting entire school communities.”

Moore’s fundamental belief in students has served as his motivating philosophy over the span of his career. “If we clear paths for them and we show them how to clear that path, they’ll soon start clearing paths for themselves,” Moore said. “Everybody in this comunidad must work together for our kids. They deserve it.”

The Prepárate™ Conference brings together hundreds of educators and advocates focused on strengthening and increasing opportunities for Latino students. This nationally recognized event, hosted by the College Board, featured innovative strategies, powerful storytelling, and a shared commitment to turning student aspirations into real-world opportunities. Visit the College Board website for more information.