The Golden Apple Foundation Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. College Prep High School Principal Brian Kelly as 2024 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership Recipient
CHICAGO (MAY 9, 2024) - The Golden Apple Foundation, the leading Illinois-based nonprofit committed to preparing, mentoring, and honoring great educators who advance educational opportunities for students, today surprised Brian Kelly, principal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. College Prep High School in Chicago,, with the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership, presented in honor of founding Golden Apple board member Stanley C. Golder.
Following a highly competitive process, Kelly was selected as an award recipient from more than 100 nominations of Pre-K-12th grade school leaders.
"School administrators are integral to unlocking the academic potential of their students, cultivating the professional development of their teachers, and elevating the entire school community,” said Alan Mather, President of The Golden Apple Foundation. “This esteemed leader deserves to be recognized for his/her steadfast dedication to their students, faculty, and the broader community. We eagerly anticipate his/her partnership as we work to attract, prepare, and mentor the next wave of extraordinary educators."
As statewide awards, 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.
“Brian Kelly has navigated the ever-evolving educational landscape while consistently delivering exceptional leadership that fosters an environment of high achievement and growth in their school,” said Alicia Winckler, CEO of Golden Apple. “We are grateful for their dedication to cultivating the next generation of thriving Illinois students."
About Brian Kelly
Brian Kelly has been the Principal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. College Prep High School in Chicago since 2019. Kelly has focused on enhancing teaching practices and student learning by leading the Instructional Leadership Team and co-constructing professional development initiatives on argumentative literacy, intrinsic motivation, and argument-centered instruction. Another way Kelly has shown his commitment to teacher development and retention is through creating a new teacher institute that increased teacher retention by 27%. He has also established a professional learning series focused on enhancing hybrid and online learning, as well as adult Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and community building.
Under Kelly's leadership, the school has experienced significant improvements in student outcomes. He created team leads to facilitate academic and behavioral interventions, resulting in increases in Freshmen-on-Track and Sophomore-on-Track rates. Additionally, he led the Attendance Team to improve annual attendance from 89% in September 2019 to 94% over the last four years, increased the school-wide GPA from 2.59 to 3.77, and increased the graduation rate by 11%.
The Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership recipients receive 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 become Fellows of the Golden Apple Academy of Educators, a community of educators who play an important role in preparing the next generation of teachers in the Golden Apple Scholars and Accelerators programs - which are dedicated to addressing the teacher shortage in Illinois.
The nomination period for the 2025 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching & Leadership is open. All are invited to nominate exceptional 9th-12th grade teachers and Pre-K-12th grade school leaders in Illinois 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 | X | Instagram | LinkedIn.
About The Golden Apple Foundation
Golden Apple's mission is to inspire, develop and support teacher and school leader excellence, 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 one 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. Learn more at http://www.goldenapple.org.
Media contact:
Emily Evans
937.206.6039
emilye@theharbingergroup.com