Suzanne Santiago, science teacher, won the Character Matters award. She was nominated by an anonymous Lake Zurich staff member.

“I had absolutely no idea,” Santiago said. “I was honored and pleasantly surprised.”

Santiago was the only high school teacher nominated for the 10th annual Excellence in Character award in Lake County, according to Kent Nightlinger, principal of LZHS.

The award is based on the type of person you are, how much one gives back to their school, how much one does for their school. It can based on activities, clubs, or teaching, Santiago said.

“The nomination was given, then it was reviewed by the superintendent of schools for Lake County, and one of the council members of this particular organization pick the winners,” Santiago said.

Nightlinger presented the award at the faculty meeting in September, according to the LZ science teacher.

Even though Santiago doesn’t know who nominated her, the girls Track and Field coach and junior class board sponsor said she is flattered to win.

“It is nice to be thanked,” Santiago said. “And be appreciated for all the work we do as teachers.”