Palatine principal receives Golden Apple award as state s top school leader
Principal Martin Da Costa of Winston Campus Junior High School in Palatine greets his students Wednesday during a surprise celebration after he was presented with the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership. Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer
Martin Da Costa, principal of Winston Campus Junior High School in Palatine, is surrounded by his students, some holding signs reading We re Proud of You, after he received the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership during a surprise ceremony at the school Wednesday. Mark Welsh | Staff Photographer
Martin Da Costa is overcome with emotion Wednesday as he is presented with the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership by Alan Mather, president of the Golden Apple. Da Costa is principal of Winston Campus Junior High School in Palatine.
Palatine principal among finalists for Golden Apple leadership award Martin DaCosta
Updated 3/2/2021 7:49 PM
Creating an inclusive school climate begins with giving students a voice in decision-making, says Martin DaCosta, principal of Winston Campus Junior High School in Palatine.
DaCosta s students are among the most diverse within Palatine Township Elementary District 15 the state s second-largest elementary district where DaCosta is the only nonwhite principal. He values the importance of cultural relevance in teaching and creating an environment that is welcoming and inspirational for all students.
When it comes to leadership, one of the things that I aspire to be every single day is a servant leader, DaCosta said.