January 23, 2025
Education

Lyons Township High School's principal, assistant principal nominated for Principal of the Year

By DAVID LANZAFAME

From left: Illinios Principals Association Executive Director Jason Leahy, LTHS Assistant Principal Kristine L. Costopoulos and LTHS Principal Dr. Brian P. Waterman. (Photo provided)

LA GRANGE – The principal and assistant principal of Lyons Township High School were among those recently nominated for Principal of the Year by the West Cook Illinois Principals Association.

Dr. Brian P. Waterman, principal at LTHS, and Kristine L. Costopoulos, assistant principal, were among those nominated for the award by their peers in the West Cook Illinois Principals Association chapter.

Waterman has worked as a principal for seven years, first at Hinsdale South High School. Waterman was announced as the new principal for LT in December 2013, taking over for retiring principal David Franson. In addition to serving as principal, Waterman also works as an officer with the West Suburban Board of Control and as a principal representative for the Illinois High School Association Gymnastics Committee.

“I think anytime you get recognized by your colleges, it’s a great thing,” Waterman said. “It’s always a good confirmation that things are going well.”

Costopoulos has worked as a school administrator for 20 years with eight of those years at LT, according to the release. She served for two years with the Illinois Directors of Student Activities and the Illinois Deans Association, and was recognized as the Activities Director of the Year, along with receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award.

“I was honored and humbled because there are people doing more out there than I am,” Costopoulos said. “I’m tickled to be nominated to receive the award.”

Principal Waterman’s nomination, Costopoulos said, makes sense based on her experience working with him at LT.

“Very well-deserved,” Costopoulos said. “After working with him for a full year I can see why they choose him. In my 13 years [at LTHS], he’s the third principal I’ve worked for [and] I’m happy to say that LT continues to hire a great role model. Our kids love him and they all know his name and know who he is and look forward to his tweets. It’s really great to see that.”