We’re on a mission to show our #PrincipalPrideChi and thank Chicago’s public school principals. Join us!
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The Principal Appreciation Campaign
For 10 years, we have proudly led Chicago’s citywide Principal Appreciation Campaign, a collaborative effort with Chicago Public Schools, the city of Chicago, and valued partners like the Field Museum, Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago Bulls, William Blair, and BMO. As part of Principal Appreciation Month every October, this campaign celebrates the exceptional work of Chicago’s school leaders and their positive impact on students, teachers, and communities.
Principal Appreciation Toolkit
Show your appreciation for your principal with our toolkit. It includes social media content to help you celebrate your school leader online (use the hashtag #PrincipalPrideChi), an event calendar so you can let them know about appreciation events they can attend, and a recognition form that you can fill out so we can give them a shoutout on our social channels too.
Principal Storytelling Evening
The culmination of the Appreciation Campaign every year is the Principal Storytelling Evening, where attendees hear inspiring leadership stories from principals who have positively impacted their school communities. It is a profound opportunity to witness the value school leaders provide our entire city. Watch the 2025 recap video below.
The CTA Campaign
Throughout October, we showcase public school principals on Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses and trains as part of Principal Appreciation Month. The ads are visible on various train lines and on the back of buses around the city.
Our Partners
Thank you to these individuals who devoted their time as part of the 2025-26 School Leader Celebrations Committee, which helps us coordinate our efforts for Principal Appreciation Month.
Deivi Aguilar, Graham Elementary School
Lauren Albani, LaSalle II Magnet Elementary School
Candance Anderson
Chelsea Angwenyi, The Chicago Public Education Fund
Javier Arriola-Lopez, Carson Elementary
Cheyane Bligen, The Chicago Public Education Fund
Charlette Belvin Broxton
Jennifer Cervantes, The Chicago Public Education Fund
Tiphani Chaplin, Chicago Principals & Administrators Association
Turan C. Crockett, Wendell Smith Elementary
E.J. Dubinsky, The Chicago Public Education Fund
Emily Feltes, North-Grand High School
Marie Garza, Albany Park Multicultural Academy
Tarashaun R. Gipson, Surge Institute
Nicholas Guerrero, Ravenswood Elementary School
Marci Haynes, Charles Sumner Elementary School
Caryn Lichtenberg, Teach For America
Julie Lyons, Benito Juarez Community Academy
Kathleen McNeary, Dirksen Elementary
Patricia Mota, The Chicago Public Education Fund
Yalil Nieves, Peterson Elementary
Orlando J. Rivero
Peter Rutkowski, Waters Elementary School
Patrina Singleton, Brennemann Elementary School
Somphors Tann, The Chicago Public Education Fund
Matt Theis, Chicago Public Schools
Chad H. Thomas, Chicago Public Schools
Tonya Tolbert, Chicago Principals and Administrators Association
Anna Waldron, The Chicago Public Education Fund
Megan Wallace
Katrena Washington, John D. Shoop Academy
Michelle R. Willis, Gillespie Technology Magnet Cluster School
Autumn Woodlaw
Rickie Yudin, Chicago Public Schools
Our Sponsors
​Thank you to our 2025 Principal Appreciation Month sponsors.
Donate to Celebrate Principals Today!
We welcome all donation levels year-round. Organizations interested in Principal Appreciation Campaign sponsorship can contact us at development@thefundchicago.org.