East Side school principal a Golden Apple award finalist
HARRISBURG - Harrisburg school Principal Natalie Fry is a finalist for a prestigious state educational award.
As the principal of East Side Intermediate School, Fry is one of six statewide finalists for the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership.
Golden Apple is the leading Illinois nonprofit organization committed to preparing, honoring and supporting educators who advance educational opportunities for students
"I am super excited to be nominated. It validates the team work at East Side and what we do for kids everyday," Fry said. "It is an honor that was very unexpected. I couldn't do anything without my superstar staff. I appreciate the nomination from the district Superintendent Mike Gauch. I feel like this nomination is something that I proudly share with East Side teachers, students and community members. Just today I had a few students say, 'I saw you on TV last night and I'm glad you are my principal.' Now that makes my day. I know the future is bright for Harrisburg schools and I'm excited to build more programs to help our students succeed."
"I am thrilled that she is getting the recognition she deserves," Gauch, the Harrisburg superintendent, said after learning of the announcement. "This is a big announcement for Harrisburg schools."
Six Illinois principals were selected from more than 100 educators nominated for the award. Fry is the only finalist from southern Illinois.
According to the Golden Apple foundation, "During her time as principal, Natalie has diligently worked to foster a culture of trust, collaboration, communication, and risk-taking. Through her leadership, Natalie and her team have established multiple important academic programs, such as: establishing a 3rd and 4th grade reading room; hiring an intervention specialist (MTSS); implementing academic vocabulary at each grade level; adopting a new rigorous ELA curriculum; co-teaching; integration of Chromebooks/ Google classrooms; and educating staff on ACES and resilience."
Gauch said members of the Golden Apple foundation will make a surprise visit in the spring to speak to students and staff at each of the finalist's schools.
"Winning the award comes with a $10,000 prize: $5,000 for the nominee and $5,000 for their school," Gauch said. "We're very optimistic and hopeful."
Award finalists for both the Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching and the Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Leadership will be recognized on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Golden Apple Celebration of Excellence in Teaching & Leadership at the Q Center in St. Charles, according to the foundation. Event details and tickets are available at goldenapple.org/celebration.