Bolingbrook Assistant Principal Surprised With $25K Milken Educator Award

BOLINGBROOK, IL — Jaclyn Lennox, Bolingbrook High School’s Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction, is known for empowering her fellow teachers, the Valley View School District shared in a news release. And last week, she received the news that she was the nation’s next recipient of the prestigious Milken Educator Award and an unrestricted cash prize of $25,000.

At a school-wide assembly at BHS, Milken Educator Awards Senior Vice President Dr. Jane Foley, joined by Illinois Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders, invited Lennox to the front of the gymnasium as students, educators, dignitaries and media cheered for the assistant principal, the school said.

Lennox is the only educator in Illinois selected for the honor this school year, and she is the state’s 114th recipient since Illinois joined the Milken Educator Awards program in 1988.

“Dr. Lennox has set the gold standard for her teachers as a strong instructional leader,” said Foley, who is a 1994 Indiana Milken Educator herself. “Her dedication to Bolingbrook High School, commitment to collaboration, and deep involvement in the community have created an environment where excellence thrives. Through her vision and teamwork, she continues to inspire those around her to reach their fullest potential and make a lasting difference.”

“Dr. Jaclyn Lennox exemplifies the very best of educational leadership,” said Sanders. “Her innovative, data-driven approach has strengthened both teaching and learning at Bolingbrook High School — from creating the Academic Recovery Center to expanding AP participation and supporting career readiness opportunities for students. As a mentor, she empowers teachers to grow through peer coaching and professional development that has reduced turnover and elevated instruction. Dr. Lennox’s dedication to communication, inclusion, and continuous improvement makes her a true model of how strong leadership transforms an entire school community.”

“Dr. Lennox is an outstanding example of being dedicated to student success,” added VVSD Superintendent Keith Wood. “At the same time, she is also an example to all our students of what a lifelong learner looks like. Dr. Lennox is continuously working on adding to her skill sets in order to enhance her ability to serve our students."

“On behalf of the VVSD Board of Education, we are so proud of Dr. Lennox for being recognized for her dedication to the success of our students," VVSD Board of Education President Steve Quigley. said in a release. "This prestigious recognition also honors the work being done every day in VVSD classrooms, at every grade level, by dedicated staff members who meet the needs of the students in our community. We thank Dr. Lennox for her years of dedication to her profession and to our community.”

The Milken Family Foundation’s 2025-26 tour will honor 30 educators coast to coast; adding to the Milken Educator Network of more than 3,000 professionals nationwide. Created by philanthropist and education visionary Lowell Milken in 1987, the Milken Educator Awards represent America’s preeminent educator recognition initiative, inspiring educators, students and communities to “Celebrate, Elevate and Activate” the K-12 teaching profession.