Dist. 57 administrator named state's Outstanding Principal of the Year

Mary Gorr, principal of Westbrook School for Young Learners in Mount Prospect Elementary District 57, has been named Outstanding Principal of the Year for Illinois. The Westbrook PTA nominated her for this honor. She will be recognized at the Illinois PTA Annual Convention on April 18.

Before school Tuesday, administrators, PTA members, staff and students surprised Gorr with the news. She said that she was incredibly honored. "I work with the most outstanding staff and creative and supportive PTA anyone could ask for," she said.

Westbrook PTA President Rebekah Stathakis said Gorr "she makes an extraordinary difference in the lives of our children."

In the nomination, Westbrook PTA officers wrote that Gorr warmly greets each of her 500 students by name every morning. "The children know that Mrs. Gorr truly knows them; she hasn't simply memorized their names - she has built a genuine, caring relationship with all of her students."

The nomination cites the time that she agreed to dye her hair if students and families met a fundraising goal. The students voted that Gorr should have rainbow hair for the day. "If an event or an activity will be enriching, meaningful or important for her students, Mrs. Gorr will help out in any way needed," the nomination states.

"Being singled out among her peers throughout the state shows what a truly special principal she is," said Elaine Aumiller, District 57 superintendent. "Mary goes above and beyond in the many facets of her job, and it's great to see her recognized by her own school community and the Illinois PTA."