Dist. 116 leader named Lake County Superintendent of the Year

Round Lake Unit District 116 Superintendent Donn Mendoza has been selected by his peers as the Lake County 2021-22 Superintendent of the Year.

Mendoza was presented the award during a recent meeting of Lake County Superintendents Association.

Association President Mikkel Storaasli, superintendent of Grayslake High School District 127, surprised Mendoza by presenting him with the award of distinction.

Storaasli said that Mendoza was selected from the leaders of more than 45 school districts in Lake County.

"He has shown true leadership over the years by not only leading an exemplary district that focuses on student growth and achievement but also as a leader among superintendents," Storaasli said.

Mendoza, in his ninth year as superintendent of District 116, will be the Lake County nominee for the Illinois Superintendent of the Year Award this fall, presented by the Illinois Association of School Administrators.

In accepting the award, Mendoza was humble and said he is boosted in his work by the Round Lake community.

"This is not my award; this is a community award," Mendoza said. "Everyone is supportive, and everything we do is a team effort."

In his 28-year career, Mendoza has been a teacher, principal and superintendent throughout Lake County, priding himself on the service he provides as an educator and the relationships he has formed over the years.

"I feel like it's a blessing to serve communities as educators," Mendoza said.

"Round Lake is a special place to be able to lead and work. It is one of the most unique and special places I've ever worked. I'm grateful and humbled to be part of the community."