LTHS Assistant Superintendent Recognized By State Treasurer

LOCKPORT, IL — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs recognized LTHS administrator Dr. Lorie Cristofaro during his annual luncheon in honor of Women's History Month, according to a news release from the District.

Each year, Frerichs selects eight women from different aspects of public and business life to honor outstanding leaders in their fields, the District said. Some of the leaders he selected this year were women in leadership in sports, healthcare, journalism, and business.

Cristofaro, who serves as LTHS' assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, was selected for "Outstanding Commitment in Education."

“It is always special to be honored for the work you do. It is extraordinary for me that I was selected out of all of the great women in this State who are doing amazing things in schools and expanding opportunities for women in educational leadership. It is deeply humbling,” Cristofaro said in a release.

“I applaud Dr. Cristofaro’s commitment to educating students for more than a quarter of a century, as a social studies teacher, department chair and now an administrator focused on curriculum and instruction. She has followed her dreams and helped students get on a path to realizing theirs,” Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said in a release.

Cristofaro has worked for the District since 2019, according to the District website.

“It takes everybody, every day to make decisions to create supports, systems, and opportunities that include women in spaces where they historically haven’t been present or heard," Cristofaro said about receiving the award. "It is not about an amazing contribution by one but the many everyday tasks by many. We should celebrate this work all the time. More than that, I think schools have a responsibility to show a representation of women throughout students’ experiences. This can mean having women coaches, women teaching in science and math classes, and women in leadership roles. This changes the lived experience of all humans and makes more opportunities available. Celebrations should always occur but to be more inclusive of women in leadership, it’s everyday work year-round.”

“Coming out of COVID was a challenge as we had to redesign every school system. How I worked during COVID is really how I have worked throughout my career. It’s about commitment, collaboration, and integrity," she added in the news release.

This year’s event theme for Women’s History Month was “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.”