5 Chicagoland Principals and Heads of Schools Selected as Golden Apple Leadership Award Finalists

Award honors outstanding leadership in Pre-K through 12th grade schools

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Mar 16, 2015, 08:00 ET

CHICAGO, March 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Golden Apple today proudly announces five finalists for the Stanley C. Golder Leadership Award. The award honors the exemplary performance of a Pre-K-12^th grade principal or head of school from throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.

The 2015 Principal and Head of School Finalists include:

Dr. Christine Adler, Sprague Elementary School in Lincolnshire, Illinois
Ms. Phyllis C. Cavallone-Jurek, St. Therese Chinese Catholic School in Chicago, Illinois
Mr. Brian A. Kaye, Thomas Middle School in Arlington Heights, Illinois
Mr. Peter F. LaChance, Jay Stream Middle School in Carol Stream, Illinois
Mr. Nat Wilburn, Sacred Heart Schools, Chicago, Illinois

Details about this award can be found at goldenapple.org/award-finalists.

The award is presented in memory of Stanley C. Golder, a founding board member of Golden Apple, whose energy, creativity and commitment to Golden Apple's mission set the highest standard for dedication and accomplishment. Nominated by fellow educators and community members, this year's finalists have served as principal or head of school at one or more public or non-public schools for five or more consecutive school years.

Last year Mayor Emanuel, in partnership with Golden Apple, presented the inaugural Stanley C. Golder Leadership Award to Alan Mather, principal of Lindblom Math & Science Academy, during a surprise all-school assembly. Mather was selected for his dedication and leadership at Lindblom, which has become under his tenure the city's top-performing majority African-American school in Illinois and the only top-20 ranked school that has more than 60 percent of its students on free or reduced lunch.

A Celebration of Excellence in honor of the 5 finalists (and 30 finalists for the Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching) will be held on Saturday, April 11 at the Chicago O'Hare Marriott. Event details are available at goldenapple.org/2015-celebration. All are welcome to join the celebration.

The selection criteria for the award is based on: 1) Personal excellence 2) Balanced and collaborative leadership 3) Passion for student achievement and 4) Expertise in curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

"At Golden Apple, we recognize that strong leadership supports teachers as they excel in the classroom, and ultimately helps students to achieve," said Dominic Belmonte, president and CEO of Golden Apple. "The Stanley C. Golder Award is an extension of Golden Apple's celebration and recognition of exemplary educators, and the team of individuals who contribute to educational success."

The 2015 award recipient will receive a cash award of $10,000 to be used for his/her own professional development and a school project of the recipient's choosing. In addition, the winner will be recognized at the Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Leadership annual event on October 30, 2015 and during the broadcast of the televised show on WTTW/Channel 11 in November 2015.

Golden Apple also announced today the 30 finalists for the Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching, which recognizes outstanding teachers for their role in providing superior educational experiences for their students. Learn more at goldenapple.org/award-finalists.

About Golden Apple
2015 marks Golden Apple's 30th year of innovating teacher preparation to transform both the careers of teachers, as well as the lives of students in Illinois. Our focus is on advancing educational excellence for Illinois' most under-served students. We begin by recognizing high school and collegiate talent with a passion for teaching and a drive to create positive change for students and their communities. We enhance their college education with exemplary advanced teacher preparation, game-changing resources and lifelong support, through our Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois program.

Golden Apple is composed of recognized superior educators, including Golden Apple Award recipients and finalists, leading a passionate team of devoted staff with technical and program expertise, as well as a connected and committed board of directors charged with overseeing our strategic vision. Visit http://www.goldenapple.org for more information.

Media contact:
Eileen Rochford
Ph: 312-953-3305
[email protected]

SOURCE Golden Apple