NORTH PARK — Leo Park, an orchestra instructor at Northside College Prep, became the second Chicago Public Schools teacher surprised this week with a Golden Apple Award for excellence in teaching.
Park teaches all levels of strings — beginning, intermediate, concert and chamber — and also serves as a conductor.
"He makes magic happen. He works with students who have no prior musical training and cultivates a mindset that results in world-class performances," according to the Golden Apple announcement.
"He also works with students who have substantial training and teaches them the power of orchestra collaboration, how to listen and respond to peers, and how to practice to achieve higher levels of achievement," the announcement continued.
Golden Apple has recognized outstanding teachers throughout Illinois for more than 30 years. Winners of the Golden Apple receive $5,000 plus a spring quarter sabbatical to study at Northwestern University.
Four hundred teachers were nominated for the award this year, a number that was whittled down to 30 finalists in March. Ten recipients, including Park, were chosen from among the finalists.
Todd Katz, a science teacher at Whitney Young, also received a 2016 Golden Apple.
The winners will be honored at an awards ceremony on May 20.
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