Awake Illinois Founder is Honored

Titanium Backbone Award from Illinois Family Institute

On November 7, 2025, Shannon Adcock, founder of Awake Illinois, received the Titanium Backbone Award from Illinois Family Institute at their annual banquet.

Shannon and David Smith, IL Family Institute Director

Shannon and her family at the banquet

This honor recognizes her unwavering commitment to pro-family values through Awake Illinois' grassroots efforts and federal civil rights complaints, including advocacy against policies perceived as harmful to children and families, such as gender ideology in schools, mental health screenings, and parental rights violations.

Awake Illinois Board of Directors Helen Levinson, Shannon Adcock, and Steve Lucie

Advocacy Friends

Shannon highlighted the award as a call for continued collaboration in defending Illinois families, emphasizing themes of truth, liberty, and ethical education policies. She acknowledges the support of her family and the Awake IL board of directors in this advocacy journey.

Award from Parents Defending Education

On November 8, 2025, Shannon Adcock was honored by Defending Education (formerly known as PDE) - a national grassroots organization focused on restoring schools - with the "Never Surrender" award. It recognizes her leadership in Awake Illinois' campaigns to defend education and parental rights.

This recognition underscores Shannon's role and that of Awake Illinois in empowering parents through lawsuits, opt-out resources, and legislative lobbying to restore transparency and protect children's well-being.

Shannon appreciates Defending Education's leadership and mentorship since launching Awake Illinois in 2021. She is also a proud graduate of Defending Ed’s Parent Academy.