Javier Diaz, originally from Algonquin, IL, is a proud graduate of Jacobs High School, where he was an active member of the ILMEA All-State and District Choirs and was honored with the National School Choral Award. He went on to earn his undergraduate degree in music from Millikin University, studying under the esteemed Dr. Brad Holmes. During his time at Millikin, Javier performed with the renowned Millikin University Choir, touring extensively throughout the United States and England. After teaching in central Illinois, he accepted an assistantship with Dr. Joe Grant at the University of Illinois, where he completed his master’s degree in music education.

Javier began his teaching career in Hoopeston, Illinois—home of the Cornjerkers—where he directed both middle and high school concert choirs and show choirs. For the past 15 years, he has been shaping young voices at Round Lake Middle School, where he has built the after-school choir program into a thriving curricular choir of more than 100 students. His dedication to his students has been recognized in the Daily Herald, and he was honored with the ISBE Those Who Excel Award for his contributions to music education. He is passionate about showing his students that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.

Outside the classroom, Javier treasures his family above all. His wife, Laura, works in the nursing field and is his constant source of support. Together they raise their two children: Brady, a freshman in college with aspirations of becoming an accountant, and Cadence, a high school sophmore who shares her father’s love of the arts, performing in choir ensembles and musical theater productions.