Mayor Lightfoot Joins Golden Apple to Honor Arthur Dixon Elementary Principal as 2020 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership Recipient

Award honors exemplary performance in school leadership by a principal or head of school

CHICAGO (May 22, 2020) - Golden Apple, the leading Illinois nonprofit committed to preparing, honoring and supporting exemplary educators who advance educational opportunities for students, and Mayor Lori Lightfoot today surprised Dr. Terrycita Perry, principal of Arthur Dixon Elementary School in Chicago, with the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership, presented in honor of founding Golden Apple board member Stanley C. Golder. Mayor Lightfoot, along with CPS leaders and members of the Dixon Elementary School community, surprised Dr. Perry by participating in a socially distant car parade outside of the school located in the Chatham neighborhood. For the first time in Golden Apple’s history, awardees are being notified outside of the full-school environment due to the COVID-19 crisis.

"The Golden Apple awards encapsulate the commitment, service and passion guiding Chicago's incredible teachers, principals, administrators and school staff on a daily basis," said Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. "I am personally overwhelmed by education leaders like Dr. Perry whose transformative impact can be seen in the eyes of our young people and their enthusiasm to learn. Our students are truly the future of our city, and we have a fundamental obligation to continue to provide the resources, supports, and nourishment they need to pursue their passions and fulfill their dreams.”

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, created a culture of inclusivity and delivered dramatic student growth.

Fellow educators, students, parents and community members nominate school leaders for the annual awards. 

“Schools that are effectively preparing students for the world of tomorrow have at least one thing in common, and that is a leader such as Dr. Terrycita Perry who empowers students, teachers, parents and staff alike to pursue excellence on a daily basis,” said Golden Apple President Alan Mather, the inaugural recipient of the Excellence in Leadership award. “We look forward to Terrycita joining the Golden Apple Academy of Educators and helping us prepare the next generation of highly effective teachers for Illinois schools through our Scholars and Accelerators programs. Our award recipients play a major role in Golden Apple’s efforts to make a material difference in resolving the teacher shortage crisis across Illinois." 

“Dr. Perry's inspiring journey at Dixon Elementary—from a student to a teacher to its principal—exemplifies how our school leaders draw upon their lifelong commitment to education to create school environments that foster academic growth by putting students first," said CPS CEO Dr. Janice K. Jackson. "CPS congratulates Dr. Perry on this incredible accomplishment and thanks her for her decades of hard work in helping Dixon remain a true gem on the South Side."

Leadership award nominations increased 40% over last year and were received from 33 counties located throughout the state. This is the seventh year that Golden Apple has recognized exceptional school leaders with the Excellence in Leadership Award.

“Exemplary school leaders foster an environment in which students are engaged to maximize their potential, while teachers are dedicated to providing their students with the support they need to thrive, no matter the circumstance,” said Alicia Winckler, Golden Apple CEO. “Golden Apple is proud to recognize principals with the rare gifts which leaders like Dr. Perry possess.” 

About Dr. Terrycita Perry

Arthur Dixon Elementary School has been a part of Dr. Perry’s life since she was a child and attended school there. Now, as principal, her goal is to ensure all students are given equitable access to the resources that students in more affluent areas of the city have. Dr. Perry is helping the school continue to exceed expectations, against all odds. She’s worked closely with teachers and parents to support student learning and has given students more ownership in their educational experience. The school has maintained a level 1+ status for four years, with more than 83% of Dixon students eligible to take selective enrollment exams for high school.

Leadership Award recipients are selected by master educators and school leaders who understand and recognize balanced and collaborative leadership and who utilize professional standards to assess the culture, innovation and outcomes achieved by exemplary school leaders. Members of the selection committee include previous Award recipients, district and university leaders who conducted on-site observations and interviews prior to school building closures in Illinois with recipients’ direct managers, other administrators, teachers, students, parents and community members.  

The Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership recipient receives 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. Award recipients also become Fellows of the Golden Apple Academy of Educators, a community of educators who support current and future teachers and deepen the learning of students. Fellows play an important role in preparing the next generation of teachers by providing instruction and mentorship to future teachers in the Golden Apple Scholars and Accelerators programs, each of which is dedicated to addressing the teacher shortage in Illinois. 

The nomination period for the 2021 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching & Leadership is open. All are invited to nominate exceptional Pre-K-third grade Illinois teachers and Pre-K-12th grade school leaders 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 | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn. All press materials for the surprise notifications can be found at www.goldenapple.org/awards.

About Golden Apple

Golden Apple’s mission is to inspire, develop and support teacher and school leader excellence in Illinois, 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 an Illinois 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 throughout Illinois. Visit http://www.goldenapple.org for more information. 

Media contact:

David Pickard
708-305-1910
davidp@theharbingergroup.com