Kristin Schmidt Honored with Women of Distinction Award

District 47 is proud to announce that Kristin Schmidt, Director of Social Emotional Learning, has been recognized by Shaw Media as a 2025 Women of Distinction honoree. This award celebrates women in McHenry County who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, serve as role models and mentors, advocate for positive social change, and generously give back to their communities.

Schmidt has been with Crystal Lake Elementary District 47 for 24 years, serving the last two as Director of Social Emotional Learning. “Her dedication to student well-being, leadership in social-emotional learning, and commitment to creating safe, inclusive school environments have made a lasting impact on our district,” said Dr. Kathy Hinz, superintendent. 

Beyond her work in the district, she co-leads a networking group for school professionals, supports the McHenry County Substance Use Coalition, and serves as vice president on the executive board of NAMI McHenry County. She also contributes her voice at the state level as a member of the parent advisory group for Governor JB Pritzker’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative.

“I am incredibly humbled and honored to be recognized in a group of women with boots on the ground, sleeves rolled up, and hearts full of servant leadership,” said Schmidt said in her acceptance speech “I do not need the recognition, but I am truly grateful for this affirmation. I have been fortunate enough to spend the last 24 years in McHenry County surrounded by female mentors who have left indelible marks on the fabric of this county.” She ended her remarks at the awards ceremony with a quote from Helen Keller: “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.”