Glenbard West Principal Named Educator of the Year

The Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce and Village Fair Committee presented Glenbard West High School Principal Jane Thorsen with their Educator of the Year award during the Community Awards Celebration on March 16, Glenbard District 87 announced Monday.

The event recognizes the Citizen of the Year, Outstanding Firefighter, Police Officer, Senior Citizen, Educator, Business and Non-Profit Organization for their contributions to Glen Ellyn.

According to a District 87 news release, Thorsen's "collaborative leadership style and positive rapport with students, staff, parents and the community have had a significant positive impact on Glenbard West."

Successes under Thorsen's leadership have included:

• A double-digit increase in the number of students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses
• Record high average ACT composite score
• The greatest increase in Prairie State Achievement Exam reading scores in DuPage County
• volunteer-driven capital campaign to provide a lighted artificial turf field for use by physical education classes, marching band and athletic teams.

District 87 Superintendent David Larson said in a statement, “Glenbard West's success in the arts and athletics, the excellent school spirit and strong community allegiance and support can be attributed to Jane's stewardship of people and programs. She truly has a touch for encouraging and empowering people.”