Local Principal Receives Principal of the Year Recognition

GURNEE, IL —The Illinois Principals Association has selected Tiffany Drake of Woodland District 50 as the Lake Region Middle School Principal of the Year.

As the winner for the region, Mrs. Drake will now be a nominee for recognition at the state level, according to a news release.

Mrs. Drake has been part of the Woodland community for 23 years, and this is her fifth year as Principal at Woodland Middle School. Prior to serving as principal, Mrs. Drake was an Assistant Principal for 14 years, and was a classroom teacher for 11 years.

“It is such an honor to receive this recognition, and I share this success with my amazing team at Woodland Middle School. We are able to do some really great things for our kids because of the hard work of our staff and administrative team," Drake said. "This year I am focused on moving our students down the Road to Success (the WMS theme for the year), and this award is something I can take back to my students to show them that our hard work is paying off! Thank you to the Illinois Principal Association for your support and leadership.”

Drake was selected as the Lake Region Middle School Principal of the Year by the IPA membership based on several qualities and strengths that she brings to the WMS learning community. Drake is known for building positive relationships by focusing on connections, according to school officials.

Her ability to connect with staff and students builds a supportive environment and a trusting atmosphere. She is visible in classrooms, she provides encouragement in the hallways, and she can be seen dancing at assemblies. This makes her accessible to her staff and students, and shows them the energy and passion she brings to school each day.

Drake also takes the time to be a leadership coach because she believes in the education profession. She is committed to professional development for her staff and empowering future leaders. She also takes on leadership roles in other professional organizations, and currently serves as the Lake Region Diversity & Equity Chair.

“I am so proud of the brave, bold, and courageous stance Tiffany has taken in leading the Woodland Middle School community," District 50 Superintendent Robert Machak said. "She tackles challenges head on with grace, humor, honesty, and compassion. I am honored to have Tiffany as a colleague, and grateful to have her as a leader in our district.”

The IPA will be presenting Mrs. Drake with a plaque to recognize her achievement, and the Woodland Board of Education will honor Mrs. Drake at the Jan. 25 Governing Board Meeting.

“The middle school has faced several challenges over the past few years, and Mrs. Drake has shown tremendous leadership and positivity as she led our district through those challenges," said Woodland Board of Education President Anna Chang Yen. "She never backs down from hard work, and continues to advocate for her students and staff to bring about meaningful change. The middle school students love her because she believes in them, and the Board of Education looks forward to celebrating her achievement."

Board of Education Meetings are open to the public for those interested in attending the meeting in support of Mrs. Drake