District 123 Celebrates Student-Centered Leadership and Community Impact
Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 is proud to announce that Suzanne Amra, Principal of Sward School, has been named the Illinois Principals Association (IPA) 2026 Elementary Principal of the Year in the South Cook Region, a prestigious honor recognizing outstanding school leadership.
This recognition celebrates Principal Amra’s thoughtful, caring, and community-centered approach to leadership, as well as her unwavering commitment to making decisions in the best interest of students and the school community.
“We are incredibly proud of Suzanne Amra for receiving this well-deserved honor,” said District 123 Superintendent Paul Enderle. “Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to students, families, and staff. Suzanne leads with intention, compassion, and a clear focus on what helps children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.”
Only 20 leaders across the state of Illinois received the Elementary Principal of the Year Region Award, and these individuals will advance to the state-level competition, where the winner will be recognized at the 2026 IPA Education Leaders Annual Conference in October.
“Receiving the IPA Elementary School Principal of the Year award is a great privilege, and I am truly humbled. But this recognition is not mine alone. It reflects the remarkable people who make Sward such a special place: our dedicated staff, our inspiring Eagles, our supportive families, and our caring community partners,” Amra said. “They are the ones who give meaning to my work and remind me why I enjoy what I do so incredibly much. I am so fortunate to work alongside the Sward staff, who inspire me every day with their passion and advocacy for our students.”
Throughout her tenure at Sward School, Principal Amra has cultivated a welcoming and inclusive school culture where students feel supported, staff feel valued, and families are engaged as partners in learning. Her leadership emphasizes strong relationships, thoughtful decision-making, and a belief that every student deserves both high expectations and meaningful support.
“What sets Suzanne apart is her ability to build community,” Enderle added. “She listens, collaborates, and leads with integrity. Her decisions are grounded in what is best for students and the broader school community, and that has made a lasting impact at Sward School.”
The IPA Elementary Principal of the Year award honors principals who demonstrate exemplary leadership, foster student success, and positively influence school culture. Principal Amra’s recognition reflects both her professional excellence and her genuine care for the community she serves.
“We are honored to have Suzanne Amra as a leader in District 123,” Enderle said. “This award is a testament to her dedication and vision, and we celebrate this achievement with pride and gratitude.”
District 123 congratulates Principal Amra on this outstanding accomplishment and thanks her for her continued leadership in servicing students, families, and the Sward School community.
“Being the principal of Sward School is more than just a role for me,” Amra said. “It is a true blessing and a joy. I genuinely enjoy coming to Sward, my second home, every day, and I am motivated by the relationships I build, the challenges I overcome, and the commitment to ensuring that everybody under my leadership is seen, supported, and empowered. Receiving the IPA Principal of the Year award for work that I am so passionate about is a profound personal validation. It reminds me that I am exactly where I am meant to be. This is truly one of the greatest honors of my professional career, and I couldn’t be more grateful to share this recognition with my Sward family!”