A Chicago high school principal was surprised Monday with one of the state’s top honors in education leadership.
Dr. Shaka Rawls, principal of Leo High School in Auburn Gresham, received the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership during a school-wide assembly — a moment organizers carefully planned to keep secret.
Rawls, a Leo High School graduate, was recognized for transforming the school’s culture and outcomes, including helping students achieve a 100% college acceptance rate for years.
“Essentially, the award is for the work that we’ve done,” Rawls said. “I’m sharing this award with my students and the faculty of Leo High School.”
Under his leadership, the school has expanded enrollment and built a reputation for academic success and community support. Administrators said Rawls’ connection to students is a key part of that growth.
“He has a unique ability to connect with students,” said Alan Mather, president of the Golden Apple Foundation. “He’s from the community, returned to Leo, and has taken the school to new heights.”
The Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership is given annually to a small number of principals across Illinois who demonstrate significant and sustained impact on their schools.
Along with the recognition, Rawls will receive a $10,000 award — half for personal use and half for the school — and a paid sabbatical at Northwestern University.
He said he plans to use part of the money for a family vacation and invest the rest back into Leo High School.
Rawls said his approach to leadership is rooted in creating a supportive environment for students, particularly young Black men.
“Our job is to serve our community,” he said. “We want to create a space where they feel safe and loved, and prepare them for success beyond high school.”
School leaders said that mission has helped turn Leo into a place where students feel seen — and where achievement is expected.
