Megan Forsythe named 2025 GA Outstanding Principal
On March 19, Golden Apple Foundation of Rockford traveled to Whitman Post Elementary in Rockton to surprise — or maybe even shock — principal Megan Forsythe with the 2025 Golden Apple Outstanding Principal Award. Megan’s teachers and staff had decorated the gym to the hilt with golden streamers, balloons, backdrop and signs. They practiced cheers with all the students. They selected celebratory music to play. And dragged a bewildered Megan, who had serious plans for the day, to the gym where confetti cannons went off, music played, children cheered and many hugs were given. Happy tears flowed! Megan’s children and mother went to great lengths to keep the surprise as well. Megan was a Golden Apple Teacher in 2009, so she knows how we love to celebrate great educators. Under Megan’s leadership, Whitman Post received an Exemplary designation from the State of Illinois for the first time. Her teachers and students are thriving. She gets in the trenches with everyone, attending professional development, filling in to teach classes so teachers can observe peers, greeting each of the 500 students by name and so much more. Superintendent Glenn Terry commended Megan, sharing that he considers her as the best hire he has made in the past 10 years. Megan thanked everyone, saying that everyone is important at Whitman Post, no matter their role, and she would not be where she is without everyone there.
Megan received an award plus $1,000 to be used at her school, thanks to sponsor, McDonald’s. Congratulations, Megan!