NL D122 Community Mourns Beloved Principal 'Dee'; Award Will Honor Her Legacy

NEW LENOX, IL — The New Lenox District 122 community—staff, students, and families—came together this week to honor Mrs. Deirdre "Dee" Scott, beloved Spencer Trail principal who died April 11 after a cancer battle. She was 48.

Calling Scott, a "remarkable leader whose impact will be felt for generations," Superintendent Dr. Lori Motsch on Friday shared how the district has celebrated her legacy while mourning the loss of her.

In a note to families earlier this week, Motsch paid tribute to Scott.

"Throughout her 25-year career, Mrs. Scott dedicated herself wholeheartedly to the students, staff, and families of our district," Motsch wrote. "From teaching preschool through second grade to serving as an assistant principal at Spencer Pointe and Spencer Crossing, and most recently as the principal of Spencer Trail, she touched countless lives with her kindness, leadership, and unwavering commitment to education.

Scott was "a mentor, an advocate, and a guiding light to so many," Motsch said, adding that her "passion for education and dedication to nurturing young minds will be dearly missed but never forgotten."

Throughout the week, Spencer Trail staff and students shared cherished memories of Mrs. Scott, highlighting the personal connections she built and the enduring values she instilled in others. Known for her compassion, sense of humor, and unwavering support, Dee was a principal who led with heart, Motsch said.

Interim Spencer Trail Principal, Jenny Christophersen, reflected on Mrs. Scott’s unique ability to connect with the youngest learners.

"She was beloved by the kindergarten students, receiving endless hugs and coloring pages from them. Dee was always in the trenches with the staff, and a wonderful example of leadership, strength, humor, and wisdom," Christophersen said.

Her colleagues remember her not only as a leader but as a mentor and friend. Spencer Trail teacher Jen Fyke described her deep admiration for Dee.

"She was the best mentor," Fyke said. "She taught us not to sweat the small stuff, and lived this out in her day-to-day life. She was our voice of reason and had a way of always looking at the positive side of things."

Parent Andrea Traut remarked on Scott's warm nature and dedication to the students. Traut's three sons attended Spencer Trail.

“Mrs. Scott was a fighter and always had a huge smile ready for her students and parents," she said. "I could tell she was living her dream in the kindergarten building. She cared and wanted the kids to enjoy their time at Trail and spread her magic all over the building. 'Dee' was welcoming and loved by all that had the pleasure to volunteer in her building. She will be missed."

As a lasting tribute to Mrs. Scott’s extraordinary spirit, Martino Junior High Principal Dr. Bonnie Groen-Olson and Liberty Junior High Principal Shane Street announced the establishment of the Deirdre Scott Award, which will be introduced at this year’s 8th grade graduation ceremonies. The award will honor one student from each school who exemplifies the qualities that Dee embodied: leadership, strength, resiliency, dedication, and humor.

“It will be a privilege to select a student from each school’s graduating class who represents the ideals of leadership, strength, resiliency, dedication, and humor to receive this wonderful award,” they said in a joint statement. “We are also grateful that we will be able to honor Deirdre’s memory in District 122 for years to come.”

New Lenox School District 122 "continues to carry forward the legacy of Deirdre Scott—an educator whose passion for children and unwavering belief in the power of kindness left a profound mark on all who knew her," Motsch shared.

"Her memory lives on in every hug shared, every challenge met with grace, and every student who dares to lead with courage and joy—just like Mrs. Scott."