The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has announced its list of 2025 NFHS Citation recipients.
The list of 14 honorees includes IHSA Assistant Executive Director Susie Knoblauch, and Thornton Township High School theatre director Dr. Marie Wojdelski.
“Susie Knoblauch and Dr. Wojdelski are two of this state’s great advocates for high school performing arts, and we are so proud to have them both receive this recognition from the NFHS,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “The Citation Award is a prestigious distinction that recognizes the vast accomplishments they have made during their careers and the immeasurable number of students they have positively impacted through their efforts. I am certain neither Susie or Marie took their respective career paths seeking awards or recognition, which makes it all the sweeter when individuals who are equally humble and worthy are celebrated.”
The Citation award was designed by the NFHS to honor individuals who have made contributions to the NFHS, state high school associations, the athletic director and coaching professions, as well as the officiating avocation and fine arts/performing arts programs.
The NFHS Citation is one of the most highly regarded achievements in high school athletics and performing arts. The 2025 NFHS Citation recipients will receive their awards on July 1 at the 106th annual NFHS Summer Meeting in Chicago, Illinois.
“Receiving the NFHS Citation Award is an honor,” said Knoblauch. “It reflects the incredible students, colleagues, and mentors who have inspired me. I've had the privilege to work beside some amazing individuals whose passion and dedication fuel my commitment to advancing interscholastic athletics and activities. This recognition is not just about my work—it’s about the teamwork, dedication, and passion that have surrounded me every step of the way. I share this honor with everyone who has supported and believed in the power of sports and activities to shape lives. I am grateful to be part of a community that values the transformative power of education-based activities.”
Knoblauch (right) was a respected high school educator, cheerleading coach, fine arts director, and speech coach for nearly two decades before she joined the IHSA administrative staff as an Assistant Executive Director in 2004. She has made an indelible mark on high school sports and activities in Illinois during her 19 years on the IHSA staff, where she has started new programs while lifting others to new heights. In her second year at the IHSA, Knoblauch launched the IHSA’s Competitive Cheerleading State Series, which grew from 226 competing teams in its inaugural season to 352 schools in just five years. She was also vital in the development of the IHSA’s Journalism State Series in 2006. Knoblauch has remained a steadfast champion for the numerous IHSA fine arts programs she administers, including Drama, Music, and Speech. Her reputation as a nationally renowned advocate for high school fine arts programs led the NFHS to tab her as its Director of Performing Arts and Sports in 2014. She held that position for two years, before returning to the IHSA prior to the 2016-17 school year. Knoblauch’s tenure at the IHSA has also included serving as the state administrator for boys and girls tennis, debate, and lacrosse. Knoblauch is an alum of Lowpoint-Washburn High School in Washburn, Illinois, and Illinois State University.
"I am so humbled and honored to be receiving this award,” said Dr. Wojdelski. “Helping students to harness their talents and shine is truly a gift and award every day.”
Dr. Wojdelski (right) has dedicated herself to enriching the lives of students through theatre for over 20 years at Thornton Township High School in Harvey, Illinois. Dr. Wojdelski has showcased her versatility by teaching various theatre courses, including Stagecraft, Theatre Arts, and Speech communication. Notably, she has undertaken the role of the International Baccalaureate Theatre teacher, consistently guiding students to earn college credit. As the theatre manager for over 15 years, she actively engages with school productions and community rentals, contributing as a director, technical director, or assistant director. Dr. Wojdelski is a dedicated co-head coach of the Speech team, overseeing students in 14 different events and ensuring they gain valuable experience in public speaking. Serving as Thornton's Activity Director for 16 years, she maintains the quality of extracurricular programming, keeping students engaged and involved. Dr. Wojdelski's most notable achievements include multiple state final appearances, with cast members consistently earning awards at IHSA Drama/GI State Finals. Her commitment to students is recognized through Thornton's Service Awards, her work on IHSA and NFHS committees, along with the prestigious District 205 Student Board of Education Recognition Award.