SR0819 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0819 LRB104 22019 ECR 38071 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate wish to congratulate Lazaro Lopez, Ed.D, on the occasion of concluding his distinguished career at High School District 214 while highlighting his extraordinary contributions to public education, college and career readiness, and the students and families of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Lopez's own educational journey reflects the power of public education and community colleges to change lives; after serving in the United States Army, he began his postsecondary path at College of DuPage before earning a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication and English Education from Illinois State University, a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Organizational Change from Roosevelt University, and a Doctor of Education in Leadership in Curriculum and Instruction from Aurora University; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Lopez began his career in High School District 214 as an English teacher at John Hersey High School, and he proceeded to serve as principal of Wheeling High School, associate superintendent for Teaching and Learning, interim superintendent, and executive director of the District 214 Education Foundation and Career Pathways; and

WHEREAS, As principal of Wheeling High School, Dr. Lopez helped reimagine the high school experience by advancing STEM education, establishing one of the first high school nanotechnology labs in the country, launching early career pathways in manufacturing and health care, expanding dual-credit opportunities, building industry partnerships, and strengthening academic supports for students; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Lopez's leadership at Wheeling High School earned him recognition as the 2010 Dr. Elizabeth Ennis Innovative Educator Award recipient, the 2012 Illinois Principals Association North Cook Region High School Principal of the Year, and the 2013 Illinois Principals Association High School Principal of the Year; and

WHEREAS, In his district-wide leadership roles, Dr. Lopez helped establish High School District 214 as a state and national model for career-connected learning, ensuring that students could pair rigorous academics with early college credit, industry credentials, internships, apprenticeships, and authentic work-based learning experiences; and

WHEREAS, Through Dr. Lopez's vision and leadership, thousands of High School District 214 graduates have completed secondary education better prepared when making informed choices about college, careers, military service, skilled trades, entrepreneurship, and other meaningful postsecondary pathways; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Lopez's work has strengthened the connection between high schools, colleges, employers, and communities, helping students reduce the cost of postsecondary education, gain career confidence, and pursue pathways that lead to family-sustaining wages and a stronger middle class; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Lopez has also served with distinction as chair of the Illinois Community College Board, a position he held from 2015 to 2025, advancing the mission of Illinois' community colleges and championing educational equity, seamless student transitions, economic mobility, and workforce development; during his tenure, he supported policies and initiatives that expanded dual credit, improved transitions from high school to college, reduced barriers to student success, and aligned education with the workforce needs of Illinois communities; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Lopez has been recognized nationally for his leadership in college and career readiness, career pathways, business partnerships, and work-based learning, and his work has influenced educators, policymakers, and workforce leaders across Illinois and the nation; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Lopez has devoted his career to a simple but powerful promise that every student deserves the guidance, opportunity, and real-world experience needed to discover a future with purpose, dignity, and economic mobility; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Lazaro Lopez, Ed.D. on the conclusion of his distinguished career with High School District 214, marked by his dedicated service to public education and the State of Illinois, and thank him for helping shape the futures of thousands of students while strengthening pathways to the middle class; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Lopez as a symbol of our esteem and respect.