The Journalism Education Association (JEA) awarded him its Rising Star Award, given annually to five high school journalism advisers from around the United States. The award came only a few months after the publication he advises, Central Times, won a record 11th Pacemaker Award. This was the third Pacemaker Award won by his students since he took over as adviser. He may be contacted at kcarlson@naperville203.org or via Facebook. His wife, Robyn Bendeich ’95 Carlson, is senior accountant for Edward Hospital.