L-W East Principal Named Honorary Tournament Chair of Medieval Classic

A Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 administrator who has been heavily involved in community organizations, such as the Rotary Club and Kiwanis Club,  has been selected to serve as this year's Honorary Tournament Chair at the Lincoln-Way East holiday basketball tournament.

Brenda Jensen, principal at Lincoln-Way East High School, was picked to chair Lincoln-Way's annual Medieval Classic, Dec. 27-30.

"Dr. Jensen has always promoted school spirit," said Lincoln-Way East Athletic Director David Brost. "It is fitting that she serve as the Honorary Tournament Director after her many years of service to Lincoln-Way. Brenda is our No. 1 Griffin Fan."

The Medieval Classic Tournament will be held at Lincoln-Way East and Lincoln-Way North high schools and feature boys and girls basketball matches between Lincoln-Way Central, Lincoln-Way East, Lincoln-Way North, Lincoln-Way West, Joliet Catholic Academy, Oak Forest, Oak Lawn, Plainfield South, Queen of Peace, Shepard, Nazareth and TF South high schools.

As Honorary Tournament Chair, Jensen will attend games and hand out trophies on the final day.

Jensen, who plans to retire from Lincoln-Way at the end of the 2010-2011 school year, has served as principal at Lincoln-Way East for the past three years. She has been a part of the Lincoln-Way family since 1974 – first as a student teacher and then a teacher, coach, sponsor and administrator.

A graduate of Eastern Illinois University, Jensen received her Bachelor of Science in Education and then went on to Indiana Wesleyan where she received her Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She completed her studies at Loyola University in Chicago where she obtained her Doctorate of Education in Leadership and Policy Studies.

Her community involvement includes being a past member and president of the New Lenox Rotary, past member and treasurer of the Tinley Park-Frankfort Rotary and current member and president of the Frankfort Kiwanis Club.

Married to Kip for the past 36 years, they have two daughters, one son-in-law and two grandchildren.

After retirement, Jensen plans to enjoy her time with her family and continue to support Lincoln-Way athletics and activities.

She joins a long list of distinguished Honorary Tournament Chairs. They include:

• 2009 -- Jeff Boubelik, retired Frankfort Park District director
• 2008 -- Bob Romadka, retired Lincoln-Way District 210 teacher
• 2007 – Jim Randall, executive director Frankfort Square Park District
• 2006 – James T. Fagan, former Lincoln-Way District 210 school board member
• 2005 – Jim Kohlbacker, former chair Citizens for Lincoln-Way referendum committee
• 2004 – Michael Gardner, Lincoln-Way North principal
• 2003 – Dennis Hardy, Lincoln-Way East Athletic Booster
• 2002 – Michael Kelly, former Lincoln-Way counselor
• 2001 – Chief Darrell Sanders, Frankfort Police Department
• 2000 – Dennis Michels, former Lincoln-Way athletic director
• 1999 – Bill Dowling, former Athletic Booster president
• 1998 – Jim High, former math teacher
• 1997 – Sam and Sandy Baughn, Lincoln-Way Athletic Boosters
• 1996 – State Rep. Renee Kosel
• 1995 – Gene Morrall, school volunteer who videotaped athletic events
• 1994 – Jackie Panagos, District 210 Advisory Committee chair
• 1993 – Pat Quigley, former teacher
• 1992 – Bob Sturgeon, former Frankfort newspaper editor
• 1991 – Lawrence A. Wyllie, Lincoln-Way District 210 superintendent

"We are honored to recognize Dr. Brenda Jensen for her many years of distinguished   service to Lincoln-Way School District 210," said Brost. "We wish her the very best in her retirement."