Local Officials Recognize Jane Addams Principal

BOLINGBROOK, IL — State Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel and State Rep. Natalie Manley visited Jane Addams Middle School recently to personally deliver official recognition from the 104th General Assembly to Jane Addams Principal Sonia Ruiz for being named the National Association of Elementary Schools Illinois Representative on the NAESP’s 2025 list of National Distinguished Principals, the District shared in a news release.

“Sonia Ruiz is being recognized for how hard she works for Jane Addams students, Valley View School District, and the entire community,” Sen. Cappel said. “To Mrs. Ruiz, we say ‘thank you’, and we are so proud of you for being recognized as one of the top principals in the country. Thank you for all the hard work you do for our kids.”

"Sonia Ruiz deserves every bit of recognition she receives for the work she does at Jane Addams. Mrs. Ruiz has nurtured a caring and effective learning environment our community is proud to support," Rep. Manley added.

Ruiz is also the current Illinois Principals Association Middle School Principal of the Year, and the 2025 IPA Three Rivers Region Middle School Principal of the Year.

“I want to thank Mrs. Ruiz for all the things she has accomplished as leader of the Jane Addams learning community,” said VVSD Board of Education President Steve Quigley. “It is also important to remember, this is also recognition of the outstanding team effort every day by all the teachers and staff members at Jane Addams. I also thank Sen. Cappel and Rep. Manley for visiting in person to celebrate the accomplishments of Mrs. Ruiz. VVSD could not possibly have better representation than what we receive from Sen. Cappel and Rep. Manley.”

Ruiz is among 43 state representatives nationwide selected as a National Distinguished Principal and will attend this year’s National Distinguished Principal Program in October in Washington, D.C. Principal honorees are selected by NAESP state affiliates and by committees representing private and overseas schools, the District said.

“I have heard Mrs. Ruiz say many times representation matters,” VVSD Board Member Victoria Pipkin said in a release. “This recognition from our Illinois legislators adds to the well-deserved recognition you are receiving for all you bring with you every day to support the success of our students.”