October 23, 2026

Lacey Groce Named a RISE Award Recipient from the IDOE

picture of Lacey Groce with "RISE Award Recipient" and Indiana Department of Education

Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation’s Lacey Groce, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, has been selected as one of Indiana’s two Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award recipients by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE). The honor celebrates her dedication to supporting students and the staff who serve them.

Lacey supervises Mt. Vernon’s Registered Behavior Technicians and supports students with the most complex behavioral needs. She learned of the recognition during a surprise announcement on October 23 with IDOE representatives Anna Shults, chief academic officer, and Kelly Connelly, assistant director of academics.

Lacey shared, "It’s an honor to receive this award. So much of the work in behavior involves looking for tiny wins. It can be hard to see the big picture, but receiving this recognition and knowing we are making a difference for our students at Mt. Vernon is incredible. I couldn’t do this work without the amazing team surrounding me and the extremely supportive teachers and staff who are willing to go above and beyond for our students."

Established through the bipartisan Recognizing Achievement in Classified School Employees Act of 2019, the RISE program honors outstanding non-teaching school employees and highlights the essential, often unseen work they do to support students and schools. Each state may nominate up to two individuals for national recognition. Indiana’s nominees are selected by an IDOE committee and approved by the governor.

Lacey will represent Indiana in consideration for the national RISE Award, with the recipient expected to be announced in early 2027. She will also attend IDOE’s Educational Excellence Awards Gala in September 2027 to receive her state award from Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner.

Mt. Vernon proudly celebrates Lacey’s recognition and the difference she makes every day. Her knowledge, compassion, and dedication help students experience success while strengthening the support available to staff across the district. Congratulations, Lacey, on this well-deserved recognition!

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