THE BRIEF
- WBEZ reports Shaka Rawls, principal of Leo Catholic High School, was surprised with the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership.
- Rawls has served as principal at Leo High School in Auburn Gresham since 2016.
- Under his leadership, Leo seniors have reached a 100% college acceptance rate.
- The Golden Apple honor comes with a $5,000 cash award for Rawls and another $5,000 for the school.
- Rawls is also being recognized for his mentorship, leadership and role in helping transform the school.
Leo Catholic High School had a special moment this week as principal Shaka Rawls was surprised with one of the most prestigious honors for school leaders in Illinois.
According to WBEZ, Rawls knew something was going on when he saw the school parking lot filled with cars on Monday. What he did not know was that students, staff, family, friends and elected officials had gathered to celebrate him being named a Golden Apple Award winner for Excellence in Leadership.
Rawls has been principal at Leo High School in Auburn Gresham since 2016. When he stepped into the role, the school was reportedly in danger of closing. Nearly ten years later, Leo has seen a major transformation under his leadership.
One of the biggest highlights is the school’s 100% college acceptance rate for seniors. The Golden Apple Foundation also noted that the number of ninth graders on track to graduate within four years has increased by 20 percentage points.
But Rawls’ impact goes beyond academics.
As a Leo graduate himself, Rawls understands the importance of having strong leadership, mentorship and real relationships inside the school building. He graduated from Leo in 1993 and now uses his position to help give students access to resources, guidance and support he wishes he had when he was younger.
Rawls is known for sitting with students at lunch, checking in with them and making sure they know he is available when they need somebody to talk to. That kind of leadership is part of what made this honor feel bigger than just an award.
The moment also came with a lesson in perseverance. While speaking to students, Rawls shared that he applied for the same award in 2022 and did not receive it. Years later, he kept going and received the recognition.
The Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership includes a $5,000 cash award for the winner and an additional $5,000 for the school.
For Leo High School, this moment is more than a celebration of one principal. It is a reminder of what consistent leadership, community investment and belief in young people can do for a school and a neighborhood.
