Lori Schrock, choir director at Mendota Township High School, was recently honored for her work to go above and beyond making a difference in students' lives.

She received an Excellence in Education award Thursday from the Regional Office of Education, which serves La Salle, Marshall and Putnam counties.

“This has been a very fulfilling place to work,” she said. “I’m very honored by this award.”

She’s retiring this school year after teaching for 34 years and teaching at Mendota for 26 years.

What advice would she give someone coming into her position?

“Be ready to work hard, and everything you do, do it for the kids, and sometimes that’s frustrating but just have that end goal in mind, that they are why you’re here and they need you, and let that music inspire them to be better people,” she said.

She has too many favorite memories to name one at Mendota High, but noted, “When you see a kid overcome a big hurdle, and they find their joy, that’s probably the most gratifying.”

To the students who are not in school in person right now, she said, “Always strive to do the right thing and to be selfless and to tell your story in music.”

The celebration for her work was celebrated virtually on Thursday instead of the normal in-person banquet celebration. The ROE compiled a video that consisted of interviews of people who know Schrock and her work.

These are some of the comments colleagues shared of her:

“Lori Schrock is the most passionate teacher on the planet,” said Paula Daley, principal at Northbrook School in Mendota.

Amy Wilson, teacher at Mendota High: “She’s always someone who’s going to be there if you need somebody, not only as a colleague but as a teacher. If one of her kids is hurting or needs extra help, she's always going to go that extra mile.”

Mendota High superintendent Jeff Prusator has known her for over 20 years, and said, “Our school has certainly been blessed, our fine arts program has been blessed, and our community has been blessed. We wish Lori the best, and we thank her for her service at Mendota High School.”

Denise Aughenbaugh, principal at Mendota High: “We appreciate everything she's done for all of us, the role model she’s been in all the students’ lives that she's touched over the years.”

Rex Benson, former Mendota High band director: “I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.”

Matthew Holzner, former Mendota High student and teacher: “I know that things didn’t end this year the way anyone really wanted, but I'm so happy to have worked with you and known you as a teacher, as an adviser, a colleague, a mentor, coworker, cohort, comrade in arms and friend.”

Schrock will receive a plaque, a $150 gift card for dinner, and $350 to use at the school to continue her legacy. She’ll also receive a plaque for her retirement.

For the past 32 years, the ROE has honored teachers, administrators and support staff for their work.