[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 41 (Friday, March 3, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E173]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





CELEBRATING DR. JENNIFER NORRELL AS THE 2023 AFRICAN AMERICAN LEADER OF 
                                THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL FOSTER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 3, 2023

  Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Dr. Jennifer 
Norrell's achievements as she is honored as the 2023 African American 
Leader of the Year. Since her historic appointment in 2018, Dr. Norrell 
has become a central figure in the support of the district's 14,000 
students, their families, District 131's faculty and staff, and the 
East Aurora Community.
  As the first woman to serve as superintendent of the state of 
Illinois' first public school district, Dr. Norrell has made impressive 
strides in her work to improve academic success. She has cultivated an 
academic culture that allows students to build a sense of positive 
identity, healing, resilience, and overall academic success.
  During her five years with District 131, Dr. Jennifer Norrell has 
played an instrumental role in helping to increase the high school 
graduation rate by 17 percent to an impressive 87 percent which is 
steadily improving.
  Dr. Norrell's passion for improving the quality of education for 
students has always been apparent. Before joining District 131, Dr. 
Jennifer Norrell served as assistant superintendent for curriculum, 
instruction, assessments, and grants for Bloom Township High School 
District 206.
  I am proud to represent Aurora, and I am grateful for the dedication 
Dr. Jennifer Norrell has shown to improving the academic quality and 
success of District 131 students. Join me as I celebrate Dr. Jennifer 
Norrell as the 2023 African American Leader of the Year.

                          ____________________