Earlier this month, Shaka Rawls '99, principal of Leo High School in Chicago, returned from a meeting to a surprise assembly announcing him as a recipient of the 2026 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership. Students, colleagues, family members, former classmates, and reporters filled the auditorium as Rawls accepted what he calls "the Oscars of educational leadership."

The Golden Apple Award recognizes 10 outstanding Illinois teachers and school leaders annually, welcoming them into the Golden Apple Academy of Educators, where recipients mentor aspiring teachers and school leaders. As a Golden Apple fellow, he hopes to inspire more young African American men to pursue careers in education. In addition to continuing education classes, the honor also includes $5,000 for the recipient and $5,000 for a school project of the recipient's choosing. Rawls has pledged nearly all of the funds to youth anti-violence initiatives in Chicago.

For Rawls, the honor reflects years of relationship-building and service. The Golden Apple selection process involves nominations, a portfolio submission, and recommendations - Rawls received over 85 endorsements from partners, including the Chicago Bears, ComEd, government leaders, and higher education representatives - followed by classroom observations and final interviews. During this stage, Rawls was interviewed directly while more than 130 individuals spoke on his behalf in support of his qualifications.

At Leo High School - where 99% of students identify as African American and 100% qualify for free or reduced-price lunch - Rawls prioritizes visibility and connection with the goal of helping students recognize their own value and potential. He greets students each morning, often spends time with them at lunch, and makes himself approachable throughout the school day. "These are students who just want to be seen," he said. "I want them to know that they matter in this world."

Rawls credits Aurora University for shaping his resilience and career path after a knee injury ended his football ambitions. Today, he sees education as another form of coaching. "I don't coach a sport per se, but I coach people every day," he explained.

In addition to leading Leo High School, Rawls serves on Aurora University's President's Advisory Council of External Relations, where he supports initiatives that connect academic programs with workforce and community needs. "Collectively, we're both producing quality graduates for the workforce and civic engagement," he said.

When asked what advice he would offer to aspiring educators and anyone hoping to make a difference in their communities, he emphasized the importance of volunteering and building authentic relationships: "Education is just a series of relationships, and learning how to build and foster those relationships is what makes a great teacher."