Lansdowne, PA – August 4, 2026
The William Penn School District is proud to celebrate Jacki Cordery, band and choral director at Walnut Street Elementary School, who has been named a 2026 IBX Honor Roll winner by Independence Blue Cross.
The IBX Honor Roll, a partnership between Independence Blue Cross and the Philadelphia Phillies, recognizes six outstanding K-12 educators each year from across the Greater Philadelphia region. Honorees are selected for the positive impact they make both inside and outside the classroom through their dedication to students and their school communities.
Ms. Cordery was nominated by fellow colleague and friend Dr. Rachel Slaughter, who praised her exceptional commitment to music education and the lasting influence she has on students.
“I proudly nominated Jacki Cordery because she exemplifies the very best of what it means to be an educator,” Dr. Slaughter said. “She has created an inclusive, engaging, and culturally responsive music program that inspires students from kindergarten through sixth grade to develop a genuine love for music. Beyond her exceptional teaching, Jacki is a warm, compassionate, and encouraging educator whose students feel seen, valued, and empowered. She doesn’t simply teach music – she inspires a lifelong passion for learning, creativity, and self-expression.”
Ms. Cordery joined the William Penn School District in 2006 and has served students at Walnut Street Elementary School since 2021. Through engaging classroom instruction and band rehearsals, she helps students build musical skills, confidence, teamwork, and discipline while creating an environment where every child feels encouraged to succeed.
She also enriches her students’ learning by inviting professional musicians into the classroom. Recent guests have included percussionist Aaron Draper and award-winning producer Donald Robinson, giving students unique opportunities to learn from accomplished artists and experience music beyond the classroom.
As part of the honor, Ms. Cordery and her family received VIP treatment during the Philadelphia Phillies’ game against the New York Yankees on July 25. The experience included four suite tickets, on-field recognition before the game, recognition on the Citizens Bank Park concourse, an IBX gift package featuring a Phillies jersey and cap, a $500 Visa gift card, and a behind-the-scenes stadium tour that she will be able to share with students, staff, or personal guests. She is also being featured by Independence Blue Cross through its website and social media campaign.
Learning she had received this honor was an unforgettable moment for Ms. Cordery.
“I was completely surprised – and honestly overwhelmed – when Doc Slaughter told me I had been selected for this honor,” she said. “I had no idea just how special the experience would be or the incredible way my family and I would be celebrated. It truly felt like the red carpet was rolled out for us.”
One of the highlights of the experience was sharing it with her father.
“One of the greatest blessings was being able to share the day with my dad, who took my siblings and me to Phillies games when we were growing up,” she said. “Being able to create that full-circle moment with him made the experience even more meaningful.”
While honored by the recognition, Ms. Cordery was quick to credit her colleagues and keep the focus on her students.
“I am incredibly honored to receive this recognition, but I also want to acknowledge my colleagues who work just as hard every single day,” she said. “We are all in this together, and I don’t feel that I do anything extraordinary. I simply love what I do. It is a privilege to pour into the students who are entrusted to me each day, and I strive to give them the best experience possible, whatever that takes.”
Reflecting on the day, she added, “I am deeply thankful and grateful that my family and I were able to share such a memorable day together. From the warm recognition to meeting the Phillie Phanatic – definitely my favorite part! – every moment was unforgettable. It is an experience I will cherish for years to come, and I am truly grateful to Rachel, the Phillies, and everyone who made this incredible honor possible.”
The William Penn School District congratulates Ms. Cordery on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for her dedication, passion, and many years of service to our students and community.
Learn more:
Read Jacki Cordery’s IBX Honor Roll feature: https://news.ibx.com/jackie-cordery-ibx-honor-roll/
Learn more about the IBX Honor Roll program: https://news.ibx.com/ibx-honor-roll-2026/
