A Surprise Award for a Chicago School Leader

Leo High School’s principal, Dr. Shaka Rawls, was handed one of Illinois’ most prestigious teaching prizes during a surprise school assembly. The event was kept hush‑hush until the moment of recognition, allowing students and staff to experience the excitement firsthand. Rawls, an alumnus of Leo, earned the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership after years of reshaping the school’s culture. His work has led to a perfect college acceptance record for many students, showcasing tangible results that went beyond test scores. The award is given to only a handful of principals each year who have shown lasting, meaningful change in their schools. Along with the honor comes a $10, 000 grant—half for personal use and half for Leo’s programs—and a paid sabbatical at Northwestern University, giving Rawls time to recharge and learn new strategies.Colleagues praise Rawls for his deep connection with students, especially those from the local community. “He’s a hometown hero who knows how to lift his students up, ” said Alan Mather, president of the Golden Apple Foundation. Rawls plans to split his award money: a family vacation and reinvestment into Leo’s resources. He stresses that leadership is about creating safe, supportive spaces where students feel valued and prepared for life after graduation. Under his guidance, Leo High has grown in enrollment and reputation, proving that strong, community‑based leadership can drive academic excellence.