Local Principal Honored for Outstanding Leadership
Regina Latimer-Lake, principal of Charles W. Earle STEM Elementary School in Englewood, was surprised with a celebration at her school on Wednesday to honor her selection as the 2026 Elementary School Principal of the Year by the Illinois Principals Association. The recognition came after Latimer-Lake was chosen from among 20 regional winners to receive the statewide award.
Latimer-Lake's leadership has made a significant impact on the Englewood community, and it is clear that her commitment to her students extends beyond the classroom. "She stayed... not just for herself, but for her students," said Kamren Lake, Latimer-Lake's son. This quote highlights the principal's dedication to providing a high-quality education to all of her students.
The award ceremony was coordinated by school staff and featured a series of speeches from friends, colleagues, family members, and mentors who have worked with Latimer-Lake throughout her career. The event also included testimonials about her leadership style and its effects on the school community.
"It's a win not just for myself, but for Englewood in general," said Latimer-Lake, visibly moved by the recognition. Her humility and commitment to public service are qualities that have earned her this well-deserved honor.
Latimer-Lake has led the STEM program at Earle Elementary School to success, despite facing numerous challenges. The school's close partnership with the Englewood community is a testament to her leadership skills and dedication to building strong relationships with local stakeholders.
This award serves as a tribute to Latimer-Lake's tireless efforts to provide a world-class education to her students. Her impact extends beyond the classroom, influencing countless young minds and families in the Englewood community.
Regina Latimer-Lake, principal of Charles W. Earle STEM Elementary School in Englewood, was surprised with a celebration at her school on Wednesday to honor her selection as the 2026 Elementary School Principal of the Year by the Illinois Principals Association. The recognition came after Latimer-Lake was chosen from among 20 regional winners to receive the statewide award.
Latimer-Lake's leadership has made a significant impact on the Englewood community, and it is clear that her commitment to her students extends beyond the classroom. "She stayed... not just for herself, but for her students," said Kamren Lake, Latimer-Lake's son. This quote highlights the principal's dedication to providing a high-quality education to all of her students.
The award ceremony was coordinated by school staff and featured a series of speeches from friends, colleagues, family members, and mentors who have worked with Latimer-Lake throughout her career. The event also included testimonials about her leadership style and its effects on the school community.
"It's a win not just for myself, but for Englewood in general," said Latimer-Lake, visibly moved by the recognition. Her humility and commitment to public service are qualities that have earned her this well-deserved honor.
Latimer-Lake has led the STEM program at Earle Elementary School to success, despite facing numerous challenges. The school's close partnership with the Englewood community is a testament to her leadership skills and dedication to building strong relationships with local stakeholders.
This award serves as a tribute to Latimer-Lake's tireless efforts to provide a world-class education to her students. Her impact extends beyond the classroom, influencing countless young minds and families in the Englewood community.
She totally deserves it, right? I mean, 20 regional winners is no joke! Regina Latimer-Lake has been grinding for years, making a real difference in the lives of her students. Her leadership style is all about putting others first, which is why she's getting so much love from the community. 
It's not just about her, it's about all the kids who have benefited from her dedication to education. Kudos to her for staying humble and serving the public good! 
#SupportOurEducators #LeadershipGoals #EducationMatters
i mean who else is gonna put in that much effort to make a difference in their students lives? it's not just about getting good grades or whatever, it's about actually caring and investing in those kids 
. i'm so proud of her for staying in it for the long haul, even when things got tough (and let's be real, they probably did 
). she's an inspiration to us all, proof that you can make a real impact if you just put your heart into it 
.
This principal thing is all about putting others first, you know? Regina Latimer-Lake's leadership isn't just about getting recognition, it's about making a real difference in people's lives. She stays committed to her students even when things get tough, which says a lot about her character 
. And let's be real, being a leader is not just about achieving success, it's about lifting others up too 
. We can all learn from her example and strive to make a positive impact in our own communities.
Did they get any recognition too? It's not like she's the only one making a difference in Englewood. Plus, 20 regional winners competing for one award is a bit... I don't know, kinda unfair to the other winners, right? 
Doesn't that feel a bit random to me? Also, while it's amazing that she's dedicated her career to public service, I wish there was more info on what specific initiatives or programs she's implemented that made the award possible 
It's not just about her as a leader but about how she makes everyone around her feel seen and valued. The fact that she's chosen by her community over 20 other regional winners speaks volumes about the kind of person she is 
I'M SO HAPPY FOR REGINA LATIMER-LAKE!!! SHE DESERVES THIS AWARD TOTALLY!!! SHE'S BEEN WORKING SO HARD TO PROVIDE THE BEST EDUCATION POSSIBLE FOR HER STUDENTS AND IT SHOWS!!! I MEAN, WHO DOESN'T LOVE SEEING COMMUNITIES COME TOGETHER LIKE THAT?! 
. and it looks like Regina Latimer-Lake is totally crushing it 
. And what about the teachers who aren't getting the recognition they deserve? I'm not saying Latimer-Lake isn't dedicated or whatever, but let's not forget about the real heroes in the classroom 
. Can't wait to see what the future holds for her and the Englewood community! 
, 20 regional winners chosen for one prize? that's like picking one student out of a sea of 50 from my old school who always did extra credit just to get ahead 
, what's so special about latimer-lake that she stands out from the rest? maybe its cuz she married into a wealthy family or has some hidden talent that got her noticed