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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING EDWINA THOMPSON, PRINCIPAL OF LANE TECH COLLEGE PREP
WHEREAS, Edwina Thompson grew up in Chicago. In the seventh grade, Lane Tech College Prep’s gospel choir visited her church, after Ms. Thompson knew she had to attend Lane Tech. Ms. Thompson’s eighth-grade guidance counselor told her she would not get in, so she made it her mission to attend Lane Tech; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Thompson was accepted and thrived at Lane Tech. She graduated from Lane Tech High School as a member of the class of ’99; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Thompson attended the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in English; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Thompson started her teaching career at Samuel Morse School for the Gifted and Talented, teaching English Language Arts courses to middle schoolers. In 2006, Ms. Thompson returned home to Lane Tech, as an English teacher; and
WHEREAS, while working as an English teacher at Lane Tech, Ms. Thompson designed the curriculum and plans for Lane Tech’s first African American Literature course. In 2010, she became the head of the English Department, where she further increased access to diverse literature elective courses, such as Black Revolutionary Literature, South Asian Literature, Latin America Literature, and Sports Marketing, and Literary Activism; and
WHEREAS, in May of 2010, Ms. Thompson was promoted to Assistant Principal. As Assistant Principal, Ms. Thompson implemented further innovative programs, including a Historically Black College Tour Program aimed at providing more equitable access to post high school opportunities. She created safe spaces for students to turn to when facing challenging situations and implemented Courageous Conversations practices to ensure every student had equitable opportunities to use their voice. Ms. Thompson also increased access to rigorous honors and AP English Courses and facilitated continuing education opportunities for teaching staff; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Thompson has had many roles at Lane Tech, as a student, English teacher, debate coach, gospel choir sponsor, and assistant principal. In June 2021, her experience and love for Lane Tech led the Local School Council to vote 11-0 to select Ms. Thompson as the next Lane Tech College Prep Principal, a role she still serves today; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Thompson has a love for education, her students, and Lane Tech, and has dedicated her career to ensuring Lane Tech and its students have bright futures full of opportunity. She is an inspiration for students and teachers alike;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the residents of Cook County, hereby recognizes the incredible work and inspirational story of Edwina Thompson, Principal of Lane Tech College Prep; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this Resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body and that an official copy of the same be tendered to Edwina Thompson. end