1st Female Principal Of Downers Grove South To Start July 1

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Community High School District 99 has named Arwen Pokorny-Lyp as the new principal for Downers Grove South High School (DGS). Pokorny-Lyp, who served as principal of Hinsdale South High School since 2017, will become the school's first female principal when she replaces principal Ed Schwartz, who retires later this year.

“Arwen is a student-focused and experienced educator who has a track record of creating a positive school environment,” District 99 Superintendent Dr. Hank Thiele said in a news release.

Thiele added, “I’m confident that Arwen, who will be the first female principal in South High’s 57-year history, will be a tremendous leader for our students, staff and families.”

Pokorny-Lyp earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and a master’s degree from Chicago State University. She started out as a social studies teacher at Joliet Township High School District 204 and also worked as the district's coordinator of assessment, humanities division chairperson and curriculum director.

In 2007, Pokorny-Lyp started at Hinsdale South, becoming assistant principal of curriculum and instruction before assuming her current role as principal in 2017.

“For over 50 years, South High has earned a reputation for academic and extracurricular excellence, and I look forward to continuing the school’s traditions while also working with our students to create new ones,” Pokorny-Lyp said in a statement.

She added, “I feel a special attachment to South High and [District 99}, since I’ve lived in the South High community since 2004 and my three sons will be Mustangs in the near future and my husband is a [Downers Grove North] alum."

Schwartz, who will wrap up a career of more than 30 years in education at the end of this school year, said, "I am confident that Arwen will be an excellent leader for South High. Her experience serving in a variety of roles at a large high school gives her a strong foundation to lead our staff and students and all of the initiatives we have underway."

Pokorny-Lyp is set to start July 1.