Illinois High School Principal of the Year Lazaro Lopez Honored In DC

Former Wheeling High School Principal Dr. Lazaro Lopez was honored recently in Washington, D.C., after being named 2012-13 Illinois High School Principal of the Year by the Illinois Principals Association. He was designated a state winner in the MetLife/NASSP National Principal of the Year Program. Lopez withdrew from National Principal of the Year consideration after being appointed associate superintendent of teaching and learning in Township High School District 214 last spring.

As principal, Lopez was successful in involving the local community in the life of the school and has shown an astute awareness of current and emerging issues as well as a passion in improving the school’s learning environment. He joined other winning principals from around the nation for the three-day Principals Institute and Awards Gala, held September 18-21.

“NASSP is honored to recognize the outstanding work of Lazaro Lopez,” said JoAnn Bartoletti, NASSP executive director. “The Principals Institute was a wonderful chance for us to thank these outstanding educators while giving them the opportunity to speak with their elected officials, grow professionally and learn from and inspire one another.”

During their visit, principals met with their senators and congressmen on Capitol Hill to discuss educational legislation and its potential impact on their schools, participated in a roundtable conversation with Department of Education representatives, and shared best practices with other principals from around the nation.

The Principals Institute concluded on Friday night with the Awards Gala, kicked off by a keynote address from U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. The event came just before the start of National Principals Month in October.

For more information about the MetLife/NASSP National Principal of the Year Program, visit www.nassp.org/POY.