Elgin High School athletic director Paul Pennington and District U-46 Deputy Superintendent of Operations Ann Williams have been nominated for National Life Group’s LifeChanger of the Year awards.
The awards recognize outstanding kindergarten through high school educators. More than $720,000 to schools and employees and recognized more than 7,800 people since 2011, the organization’s website said.
Nominees can be teachers, principals, administrators, nurses, bus drivers, cooks, librarians, coaches and other school workers who make a difference. Winners will be surprised at their schools in the spring.
Ann Williams, deputy superintendent of operations for School District U-46, is a nominee for a National Life Group’s LifeChanger of the Year award. (School District U-46)
Pennington’s anonymous nominator cited his influence and commitment to his students, the website said. Pennington is an Elgin High School graduate, father of two EHS graduates and currently the longest-serving administrator at the school.
“Mr. Pennigton rarely considers himself when it comes to the extra effort it might take to give kids the very best opportunities,” the nominator said. “People see his passion every day and often comment on it, encouraging him to take care of himself in the process. “A person like Mr. Pennington needs to be reminded of how all of his efforts are noticed and appreciated beyond measure.”
Williams was hired by U-46 in 2022, coming to the Elgin-based district after serving as the chief financial officer/chief school business official at East Aurora School District 131 for three years. Prior to that, she was assistant superintendent of business/treasurer for Crete-Monee Community Unit School District 201 and has worked in the private sector as a manager of financial analysis.
Her anonymous nominator said, “As a colleague who has worked closely with Dr. Ann Williams, I have witnessed firsthand how her leadership changes lives, not through isolated programs, but by transforming the systems, decisions and environments that shape students’ daily experiences and long-term opportunities.”
Both nominations can be read in full at lifechangeroftheyear.com.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/07/u46-lifechanger-award-nominees-williams-pennington/
