We appreciate the hard work and passion that our Noble princiPALs bring to our school communities everyday. As we wrap up this National Principals’ Month, we want to give a big shout-out to all our PALs. Check out a message from our CEO to our PALs and a ton of shout-outs from staff and students below:
MR. TONY SUTTON – DRW COLLEGE PREP
MR. MARK HAMSTRA – CHICAGO BULLS COLLEGE PREP
MR. DARKO SIMUNOVIC – MANSUETO HIGH SCHOOL
“Darko is a thoughtful and courageous leader. He cares deeply about doing right by our staff, students, and families and models servant leadership in the day-to-day. He makes us all feel valued and heard in our work!”
“He’s been my son’s mentor and role model for a while now. The words ‘thank you’ will never be enough.”
“In a year that is so full of changes and challenges, I am reminded how thankful I am to have a school leader like Darko. As a principal he is always looking for solutions, pushing for the best experience for students and staff, and always rooted in his “why.” He has made me feel so incredibly valued, supported, and like a true member of the team. When things get hard, he is often the first one to check on staff and to make sure that everyone knows he cares! YAY DARKO!”
MS. CARRIE SPITZ – PRITZKER COLLEGE PREP
MS. KELLY N. KELLY – GARY COMER COLLEGE PREP
MR. JONAS CLEAVES – JOHNSON COLLEGE PREP
“My first day teaching in the building was during Quarter 4 last year. I arrived and, as kids were entering, I realized that my computer was not connecting to my projector. Mr. Cleaves happened to be walking by, and hurried in to help me. When I thanked him, he told me that helping me be prepared to teach was the most important thing he could be doing at that moment. That incident has stuck with me- in that brief interaction, I learned that Mr. Cleaves is a hands-on leader who makes himself available to support everyone in the building, from small IT issues to larger problems. I feel very fortunate to work with such an involved and committed principal. Happy Principal’s Appreciation Month, Mr. Cleaves!”
“Mr. Cleaves has been a breath of fresh air for the Johnson Family since day one. Mr. Cleaves has led the way by being fearless, non-emotional, passionate, and unapologetic about JCP’s needs and potential. He has poured into the community, the staff, but most importantly, the students with his unwavering commitment to excellence. To the good brother, Jonas, you are much appreciated!”
“Jonas is a comedian! There is never a day that goes by that we do not laugh in the office. I love how he approaches how we teach and lead our students. Innovative, compassionate, respected, these words describe Cleaves. He is constantly asking us: What can we do to improve our school, our classrooms, and our students’ experience? How we, as dedicated professionals, can work together to make a difference in their lives. The focus is not always the student, though. Jonas also wants to know how we as staff can grow. I have grown so much in the last two years, I am grateful for the opportunities I have had and look forward to many more!”
MS. EMILY LOCKHART – MUCHIN COLLEGE PREP
“Where do I begin!?! As a former alum of Muchin College Prep and a past advisee of Ms. Lockhart, I can honestly say she is THE BEST! It has been such a pleasure working with her and seeing her interact with our Muchin scholars. She puts her all into the work she does and it does not go unnoticed. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO. I love you mother <3”
“Emily is always willing to listen, fight for those she cares about, and remains steadfast in her vision. We appreciate her so much!”
“For the past 8 years, I have had the privilege of working alongside and directly with/under Emily Lockhart. I have come to know Emily as my colleague, administrator, and friend. I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to watch Emily grow both professionally and personally. Emily is a listener, a leader who follows through with what she says, and a loyal boss who speaks up for her staff and students. Thank you, Emily, for being a principal who leads by example and someone who is always looking for feedback from her staff. Thank you for your check-ins, chats in the hall, show recommendations, and laughs. I appreciate all you do and hope you know how much you are respected and needed. Happy Principal’s Month to a real goodie!!”
MS. KASHAWDRA WILSON – HANSBERRY COLLEGE PREP
“One thing I’m very appreciative of from Ms. Wilson is that she constantly pushes me to be the best that I can be and makes sure I get what I need to be as successful as I can.”
“I’m appreciative of Ms. Wilson because she’s supportive to the football team I’m on.”
“Hey, Kash! I’m super appreciative of the joy that you bring to HCP every day. I’m appreciative of the tireless hours that you spend doing things for the staff and the students. I love you!”
MR. BRIAN RIDDICK – BUTLER COLLEGE PREP
“Principal Riddick is a leader of the people! A man who is dedicated to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion on a global scale. The culture of Butler College Prep is one of social justice, college readiness, and love; a place that can only be led by a Brian Riddick. Any place that is blessed with his presence instantly becomes better and the people around him are empowered to become the best version of themselves. Not only is Butler College Prep made better, but Noble Schools as a whole is empowered because of his hard work and efforts. Thank you so much Principal Riddick for your ‘yes’ and remember we love you and there’s nothing you can do about it.”
MR. DALONTE BURNS – UIC COLLEGE PREP
“Mr. Burns has brought renewed energy and vigor to UIC College Prep around the idea of Positive Multigenerational Change while building community with students, families, and staff. Thank you, Mr. Burns.”
MS. MARY ARRIGO – BAKER COLLEGE PREP
“Mary is the most engaging principal I have ever worked for! She gets stuff done. She’s always on the move, putting on presentations, and I have even seen her subbing a class before. These are things I haven’t seen in the principals I’ve worked with before.”
“Ms. Arrigo always helps me to get my grades up and stay focused. Even when I don’t want to come to school, she motivates me to come to get here on time and focus in class!”
“I just want to say thank you, Ms. Arrigo. Keep doing what you’re doing because you’re great at what you’re doing. Thank you.”
MR. JORDAN KRUGER – ITW DAVID SPEER ACADEMY
“Kruger is a great leader, but he is an even better person. He leads from the front and does the work that he requires of all of us. Beyond work, I have never met someone who has a kinder soul. He truly cares about everyone he interacts with. Thank you so much for all you do!”
“Kruger encourages teachers to lean into who they are and use the diverse backgrounds of the staff to promote a culture of enthusiastic learning. He practices what he preaches: self-reflective and striving to be better each day. Speer is lucky to have a principal who cares about every member of our school and the community it serves.”
“I have a profound appreciation for Jordan Kruger. He has evolved into a very compassionate leader in front of our eyes during very challenging times. His love for our school, our students, and our staff is evident in every word and every decision he makes. He has truly earned my respect and my trust.”
MS. JUDONNE HEMINGWAY – GARY COMER MIDDLE SCHOOL
“JuDonne is a great leader because she does not look over, she looks into and helps our staff and scholars feel seen. She facilitated movement in the building that has needed to happen for a long time and we appreciate the hard and necessary work that she has been putting in with our school, staff, and scholars.”
MR. BEN GUNTY – NOBLE STREET COLLEGE PREP
“Using his favorite words—I appreciate how Ben is always willing to double down on making sure that we are doing our best to serve kids and families.”
“Thanks, Ben, for listening to our parents and being a part of our PAC groups. Our parents appreciate you!”
“Ben, I appreciate the way you leaned into staff feedback during Fall Pause. Thank you for making everyone seen, heard, and valued.”
MRS. JONI ROGERS – THE NOBLE ACADEMY
“Mrs. Rogers’ welcoming presence creates a sense of community with every interaction you have with her.”
“Mrs. Rogers always takes time to interact with her staff and students even if it’s just asking how your day is going. She makes staff and students feel welcomed and cared for in our working environment.”
MR. BRENDAN BEDELL – RAUNER COLLEGE PREP
“Thank you so much for your leadership and everything you do for Rauner, Mr. Bedell!”
MS. MIRACLE MOSS-MCMORRIS – ROWE-CLARK MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY
“Miracle Moss-McMorris is the kind of principal that thinks and acts as a parent first in all her decisions. She loves all of the students fiercely and shows them this every single day in the hallways. Thank you for leading with humor, love, family, and high expectations.”
MRS. JESSIE WEINGARTNER AND INTERIM PRINCIPAL MRS. CICELE BENNETT – GOLDER COLLEGE PREP
“Golder greatly appreciates Mrs. W. Thank you for your leadership of Golder and we are all wishing you a healthy and baby-love-filled maternity leave. See you soon!”
“Mrs. Bennett has always been an example for me to follow in the work that we do for our community. She exemplifies all of our core values on a daily basis and always places student success as a priority. Golder is truly blessed to have someone like her as a leader and part of this community! Thank you for everything that you do for all of Golder!”
