The Golden Apple Foundation Honors Leo High School Principal Shaka Rawls as 2026 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership Recipient

CHICAGO (May 4, 2026) - The Golden Apple Foundation, the leading Illinois-based nonprofit committed to preparing, mentoring, honoring, and retaining great educators who advance educational opportunities for students, today surprised Shaka Rawls, principal of Leo High School in Chicago, with the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership, presented in honor of founding Golden Apple board member Stanley C. Golder. 

Following a highly competitive process, Rawls was selected as an award recipient from nearly 100 nominations of Pre-K-12th grade school leaders. 

“Great school leaders set the standard for what a school can achieve. They build cultures where students succeed, and educators are empowered to do their best work,” said Alan Mather, President of The Golden Apple Foundation. “This recipient shows how strong leadership drives real results across an entire school community. We welcome them into the Golden Apple Academy of Educators, where their experience and leadership will help support and guide the next generation of aspiring educators in the Golden Apple Scholars and Accelerators Program in Illinois.”

As a statewide award, the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership honors exemplary performance in school leadership by a principal or head of school who has had a significant and sustained positive impact on the school and delivered dramatic student growth.

“Shaka has created a school environment where strong leadership translates into measurable impact for students and educators alike,” said Alicia Winckler, CEO of The Golden Apple Foundation. “Their leadership is driving meaningful results within their school and setting a powerful example for what’s possible in schools across Illinois.”

About Shaka Rawls

Shaka Rawls is the Principal of Leo High School in Chicago, Illinois. Under his leadership, the school has had an extraordinary academic success, with a 100% college acceptance rate for seniors, the recent graduating classes earning over $3 million in scholarships, a 90%+ graduation rate, and a 20-point increase in the ninth-grade on-track rate.

However, what makes Shaka’s leadership so compelling is his connection to Leo High School. As an alumnus, his mission to uplift the school is personal. Their motto is Facta, meaning deeds, not words. Shaka greets students during morning rounds, sits with them at lunch, and makes time for any young man who needs to talk. As many of the students may not have a strong relationship with a male in their lives, Shaka aims to be that presence for them.

Shaka has also worked to break financial barriers, transforming Leo from a school perceived as only for families with the financial means into one that welcomes young men from all walks of life. Additionally, he leverages his personal network and ties with the University of Illinois Chicago to establish a dual credit partnership that allows students to take college-level courses, giving them a head start on higher education.

Shaka’s students have contributed over 7,500 hours of community service in just two years, ranging from projects on neighborhood revitalization to providing food for the homeless and singing at local hospitals and correctional facilities. A recipient of Chicagoan of the Year, Principal of the Year, a Defender Man of Excellence award and a nominee for the prestigious Stanley C. Golder Leadership Award, Shaka’s work at Leo is nothing short of transformative.

The Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership recipients receive a cash award of $10,000, with $5,000 for the school leader and $5,000 to the school for a project of the recipient’s choosing. Northwestern University generously provides coursework at no cost to the awardee. Additionally, award recipients become Fellows of the Golden Apple Academy of Educators, a community of educators who play an important role in preparing the next generation of teachers in the Golden Apple Scholars and Accelerators programs, which are dedicated to addressing the teacher shortage in Illinois.

The nomination period for the 2027 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching & Leadership is open. All are invited to nominate exceptional Pre-K-3rd-grade teachers and Pre-K-12th grade school leaders in Illinois at www.goldenapple.org/awards. 

Golden Apple’s social media channels will feature surprises for each of the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching & Leadership recipients. Follow the news here: Facebook | X | Instagram | LinkedIn.

About The Golden Apple Foundation

Golden Apple's mission is to inspire, develop, and support teacher and school leader excellence, especially in schools-of-need. Our leading-edge preparation delivers exceptional teachers who make an impact. We help students thrive in the classroom and in life. Since our beginning, we have recognized master educators annually, and these master educators help prepare the next generation of teachers. Our vision is one in which every classroom has a great teacher, and to realize this, we are committed to making a material difference in resolving the teacher shortage. Learn more at http://www.goldenapple.org.

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