WEST ENGLEWOOD —Two days after four Lindblom Math & Science Academy seniors were named Gates scholars, the school's principal, Alan Mather, was awarded the first Stanley C. Golder Award by the Golden Apple Foundation.
Mather was chosen for the award because he exemplifies someone who inspires teachers and is strongly connected to the community, said Golden Apple CEO Dominic Belmonte.
Golden Apple has recognized outstanding teachers since 1986.
Lindblom, a selective-enrollment high school at 6130 S. Wolcott Ave., is not only considered one of the best public schools in the city "but the country," said Mather.
"When you look at the outcome of our students, it certainly points to us being among the very best," Mather added. "I was surprised to receive this award and I am flattered but this is not an individual award. This award is a testament to all the hard working teachers and staff at Lindblom and the great work they do as a team."
In presenting Mather with the award, Mayor Rahm Emanuel also acknowledged the team effort behind it.
"Principal Mather’s leadership, along with that of the phenomenal Lindblom faculty, has impacted the lives of thousands of students by putting them on the path to success in the classroom and in life," he said.
According to the Mayor's Office, Lindblom’s on-track graduation rate has increased to 96.5 percent, while enrollment at the school has grown to 1,000 students under Mather's tenure. The South Side school also has the largest Mandarin language curriculum of any Chicago Public School and the largest non-heritage Arabic program in the United States.
On Monday, Lindblom seniors Marisela Angulo, Devonta Dickey, LaShanda Harbin and Shermee Randolph were among the 44 Chicago Public Schools students named 2014 Gates scholars. Last year, Lindblom's environmental science teacher, Elizabeth Copper, was named a Golden Apple winner.
