Wheeling School District 21 Principals Honored With Excellence Awards

WHEELING, IL — Calling it "a testament to their deep passion and professionalism," the administration in Community Consolidated School District 21 announced this week that principals Anastasia Netzel (London Middle School) and Crystal Jimenez (Field Elementary School) have been named principals of the year by the Illinois Principals Association.

The pair were recognized in the middle school and elementary school categories, respectively. With the honor, both are now candidates for the Illinois IPA Principal of the Year award, which will announced later this year.

According to the district, the Horace Mann/IPA Principal of the Year recognizes excellence among elementary and middle-level principals. This marks the second consecutive year CCSD21 has been honored with the award.

Netzel was nominated for "leading London in a positive and successful manner, particularly as the world re-emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic." Jimenez was nominated for "servant leadership and the ability to be an agent of change for the well-being of students and staff."

"CCSD21 is fortunate to have a team of school principals dedicated to the well-being, growth and success of all students," said Dr. Michael Connolly, superintendent of CCSD21. "To have Crystal and Anastasia recognized with this honor by their colleagues in the North Cook Region of the Illinois Principals Association is a testament to their deep passion and professionalism.

The district said Netzel and Jimenez will each receive their award and be honored during the IPA’s annual student recognition breakfast on March 1 at Belvedere Events & Banquets in Elk Grove Village.