Chicago, IL (March 23, 2017) – The Archdiocese of Chicago is proud to announce that Mrs. Phyllis Cavallone- Jurek, principal of St. Therese Catholic School in Chicago, was today named the Golden Apple Stanley C. Golder Leadership Award winner. The Golder Award honors the exemplary performance and excellence in school leadership of a principal or head of school from the Chicagoland area. This is the fourth year for the Golder Leadership Award, and Mrs. Cavallone-Jurek is the first leader from a Catholic school to receive the Award. Mrs. Cavallone-Jurek has been principal of St. Therese Catholic School since 2004, and has 20 years of education experience.

“Congratulations to Mrs. Phyllis Cavallone-Jurek for being honored with the Stanley C. Golder Leadership Award,” said Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago. “She is a true example of excellent Catholic school leadership.”

In collaboration with the pastor and the local community, Mrs. Cavallone-Jurek has provided the necessary leadership to increase the school’s enrollment to more than 300 students, compared with 160 students in 2004. The school has also won many awards in recent years for its excellent academic program, including the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award in 2011.

“Phyllis is not only a strong principal at St. Therese School, but she also serves multiple Archdiocesan committees providing inspiration, guidance and ideas across the Archdiocese,” said Dr. Jim Rigg, Superintendent of Catholic Schools. “We are pleased the Golden Apple has recognized her dedication and excellence.”

As the winner of the Stanley C. Golder Leadership Award, Mrs. Cavallone-Jurek receives a cash award of $10,000 to be used for her own professional development and a school project of her choosing. In addition, she will be recognized at the Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Leadership annual event on May 20, 2017 at the WTTW-Channel 11 studios. The event will be live streamed, and include live interviews with former students and guests of the award recipients. WTTW will broadcast the awards in a one-hour television program following the event. Check goldenapple.org/awards for updated information on the broadcast dates.

"Golden Apple and the Golder family are delighted to recognize Phyllis Cavallone-Jurek of St. Theresa Chinese Catholic School for her superior leadership, and in this manner applaud the Chicago Archdiocese for decades of excellent instruction and leadership in its schools,” said Dominic Belmonte, President and CEO of Golden Apple. “The story of Mrs. Cavallone-Jurek's transforming St. Theresa School to a vibrant, successful place of learning compelled us to select her over an array of absolutely fantastic administrators in the Chicagoland area. Their efforts and passions in general, and Phyllis's in particular, give reasons to hail the many fine educators and teachers improving the educational experience of our children.”

Additionally this year, Ms. Kelli Kielusiak, a teacher at St. Therese Catholic School in Chicago, and Ms. Tyra Stall, a teacher at Prince of Peace Catholic School in Lake Villa, were both finalists for the 2017 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching. This year’s 33 finalists for the Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching were selected from a pool of more than 600 nominations, and represent 4th-8th grade teachers throughout the Chicagoland area.