“She’s just a really huge component of building the bridge so that families feel welcome in the school. She’s kind, she’s patient, she’s just the sweetest. ” -Jennifer Evans, principal at Burnham about teacher Sandra Lopez

It was close to 30 years ago when as a volunteer, Sandra Lopez first got a taste of what inspirational and motivational teaching really looked like in Cicero.

Now, closing in on nearly 25 years in District 99, Lopez is being celebrated for not just her kindness and patience in the classroom, but for her willingness to reach out to families and make them truly feel as though they are a part of their school's community as well.

For her dedication to inclusivity and empowerment in Cicero, Lopez was recognized at last week's Board of Education meeting as D99's Very Own.

Click here to watch her story.