School principals in Grayslake and Oak Brook Golden Apple finalists

School principals in Grayslake and Oak Brook are among eight finalists statewide for the prestigious Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Leadership.

James Roscoe of Grayslake North High School and Amy Read of Butler Junior High School in Oak Brook will be honored with other finalists Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Tinley Park Convention Center. The 2019 Golden Apple Award recipients will be notified in the spring with surprise visits at their schools.

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 awards. School leaders may not self-nominate.

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.

Golden Apple recipients will be featured on a one-hour PBS TV program. The Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership recipient receives a cash award of $10,000 with $5,000 going toward the leader's professional development and $5,000 to the school for a project of the recipient's choosing.