Highland School's principals honored by the state with top awards

The Illinois Principals Association, as part of the National Association of Elementary School Principals, have named Highland Middle School Principal Jon Hallmark this year's Jr. High/Middle School Principal of the Year of the Lake Region and Assistant Principal Lorenzo Cervantes Assistant Principal of the Year of the Lake Region.

It makes the first time Hallmark and Cervantes have been named Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year, with an award where members vote on candidates who are nominated by their peers

"How wonderful to have both of Highland's leaders honored the same year as impressive leaders in Lake County. They are a strong, effective team and care much about the Highland learning community," said Libertyville School District 70 Superintendent Dr. Guy Schumacher.

Hallmark, who has been a member of the IPA since he became an administrator 11 years ago, said, "This recognition is special to me because it comes from my fellow administrators. I value the professional relationships I have gained from being a member of the Illinois Principals Association and consider the association an important resource for me as a building leader."

Cervantes, a four-year member of the IPA, agreed.

"To be recognized by my peers in IPA is a tremendous honor. Over the years, IPA has provided great opportunities for me to grow, and this award is just a highlight of my time in the organization. It's also a nice acknowledgment of the phenomenal students, parents, and staff I work with everyday."

According to the award, the Horace Mann/IPA Jr. High/Middle School Principal of the Year Award program annually recognizes outstanding middle school leaders who have succeeded in providing high quality learning opportunities for students.

The principals have made exemplary contributions to the profession and are acknowledged by their peers. The program honors middle school principals who have demonstrated that they excel in areas addressed by the selection criteria.

Criteria for the award include:

• Demonstrates positive impact on education and advocacy for children;

• Ensures the school climate is positive and reflects high staff and student morale;

• Demonstrates creativity and imagination in bringing about positive change;

• Willing to take risks to improve student learning;

• Moves actively to implement the goals and objectives of the school;

• Works collaboratively with teachers and other staff to improve the educational program and student achievement;

• Anticipates emerging problems and acts effectively to resolve them;

• Involves the community in the life of the school and uses community resources.

The Horace Mann/IPA Assistant Principal of the Year Award is open to all Illinois Assistant Principals, kindergarten through 12th grade. The candidates also must demonstrate that they excel in areas addressed by the selection criteria.