We have selected Lynn St. James, the recently retired Chief Education Officer for the Chicago Public Schools, as our 1998 OPY Award winner. She was selected because of her tireless devotion to the students in our schools.

Lynn devoted her entire professional life to the Chicago Public Schools where she received her elementary and high school education. In her 37 year career, she served as a teacher, counselor, department chair, drug abuse prevention coordinator, assistant principal and principal of both King and Lindblom High Schools, ending her career in the top education post in our school system.

Her teaching and administrative styles have been characterized as tough but fair. She fought long and hard to keep Lindbloom open and to expand early childhood education programs. Lynn's spirit, energy, enthusiasm and sense of caring both as an individual and as and educator represent a model for all of us. She is what education and educators should be about.

Congratulations Lynn!