These are honorees for the A.R.C.H Foundation Scholarship Gala 2025.
Tonia Evans, born in Mississippi and raised in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, is a proud product of the Chicago Public School system. She continued her education at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, where her passion for childhood learning took root. This dedication led her to become a successful director at Premier Childcare Centers, which serve families across the Chicagoland area. As an Early Childhood Education Director, Tonia has built a team of skilled professionals while fostering a love for learning in both her students and her greatest inspiration—her son, Joshua.
Joseph G. Haley is a distinguished educational leader with an extensive 29-year career, currently serving as the Executive Director for Chicago Safe School. His journey in education reflects a deep commitment to fostering positive learning environments and providing opportunities for success.
Joseph’s passion for education led him to become the Executive Director of Safe Achieve Academy on the south side of Chicago in 2013. In 2024 Joseph also became the Director of a second Safe school on west side of Chicago. Joseph’s desire to serve the public was deeply influenced by his parents, who collectively contributed over 60
years to the Chicago Public Schools. A graduate of Jackson State University in 1995, Joseph furthered his education by earning a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Concordia University in 2006. Prior to assuming the role of Executive Director, Joseph spent 15 years as a teacher at his former grammar school and later accepted an Assistant Principal position with CPS.Safe Achieve Academy, the only school of its kind in Chicago, is dedicated to supporting adjudicated and expelled students who have limited educational options.
Despite the negative stigma associated with the students he supports at Safe Achieve Academy, Joseph has successfully fostered a learning environment that is respectful, calm, and nurturing. This accomplishment led to his invitation to present at the California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators on Culture and Climate. Under Joseph’s leadership, the academy has maintained a remarkable Level 1/1+ rating, the highest ratings under the latestiteration of CPS’ School Quality Rating Policy (SQRP).
In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Joseph was honored by Fullbloom in July for achieving a “Grade A” during Quality Management of Evaluation. His commitment to excellence is further emphasized by holding a Master’s in Teacher Leadership, showcasing his dedication to continuous professional development.
Joseph G. Haley has received The Iconic Legacy Award from Jackson State Chicago Alumni Chapter for is amazing work as a Philanthropist. More recent he was acknowledged by Chicago Defender- Men of Excellence in 2024.
Beyond his role in education, Joseph serves as the President of the Richard C. Haley Scholarship Foundation, founded by his parents in 1987. Through this foundation, he honors his late older brother by awarding college scholarships, with the most recent scholarship dinner in December distributing $23,000 to deserving students. At this time the Richard C. Haley Scholarship foundation has awarded over $700,00 to college students since its inception.
Joseph’s impact extends to the Jackie Robinson West Little League, where he has served as Vice President for the past decade and coached for 30 years. Under his leadership, a remarkable 75percent of league players enroll in college, and some have been drafted by Major League
Baseball. His commitment to mentoring is evident in his role as an educator, coach, and community leader. As a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, initiated at Jackson State University in 1993, Joseph instills the importance of service to others in his students. He provides essential items to students in need, delivers food baskets to families during the holidays, and encourages student-led community service projects.
Joseph’s leadership style is characterized by mentorship and intentional development of his staff at Safe
Achieve Academy. Through his guidance, staff members have grown from entry-level positions to leadership roles, with some even being recruited for advanced opportunities in other schools. With an open-door policy and a commitment to continuous improvement, Joseph creates a
leadership blueprint for his team, ensuring a heart for the important work they do at Safe Achieve Academy
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor:
Sponsorship Levels:
Silver – $250: 2 tickets + name printed in the program
Bronze – $350: 3 tickets + Quarter ad in the program
Gold – $450: 4 tickets + half-page ad in the program
Platinum – $650: 5 tickets + full-page ad in the ad in the program
Advertisement Opportunities:
Name printed in the ad book – $25
Quarter-page ad – $50
Half-page ad – $100
Inside full-page ad – $200
Outside full-page ad – $300
Your support will directly contribute to the future success of young scholars who are striving to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. We truly believe that, with your generosity, we can continue to turn tragedy into triumph for our youth. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or purchasing an ad please click the link: https://forms.gle/TKyQrG4RUtncWTUq5.We sincerely appreciate your consideration and look forward to partnering with you to make a difference.
Purchase your tickets today: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/scholarship-gala-a-night-to-shine-in-the-south-loop
