Englewood's Earle STEM principal surprised with Principal of the Year celebration

Kamren Lake remembers being six years old accompanying his mom to graduate school classes. Bored and tired, he wanted to leave.

But his mom, Regina Latimer-Lake, was committed to staying.

“She stayed … not just for herself, but for her students,” Kamren, now 16, said.

Latimer-Lake is the principal of Charles W. Earle STEM Elementary School in Englewood. Kamren says he knows her perseverance is part of what earned her the title of 2026 Elementary School Principal of the Year.

Latimer-Lake was recognized by the Illinois Principals Association Wednesday with a surprise assembly of students, staff and media acknowledging her achievement. The association recognizes principals across all grade levels both statewide and regionally. Latimer-Lake was selected from a pool of 20 regional winners to be honored with the statewide award.

Staff coordinated the gathering, keeping it under wraps from Latimer-Lake. She was called to the gym under the guise of an “issue with a parent,” she said.

But instead, she was met with Chicago Public Schools staff, longtime mentors, news cameras and a sea of students in maroon Earle STEM polo shirts applauding.

Latimer-Lake, who grew up in Morgan Park, dabbed her eyes with a tissue as she took in the scene around her. Friends, colleagues, family and mentors honored her in a series of speeches.

“I just really was thinking about all of the different things and moments, pivotal moments in the journey that has propelled me here,” Latimer-Lake said. “A lot of setbacks, but a lot of major comebacks. This is a win not just for myself, but for Englewood in general.”

Staff members at Earle STEM credited Latimer-Lake with the school’s success and close partnership with the Englewood community. She was described as inquisitive, hard-working and dedicated to her students’ well-being beyond the classroom.

“You can feel it when you walk through the door. You can sense it when you interact with someone else, when you talk to someone, the commitment is evident,” said interim Chicago Public Schools CEO Macquline King. “You led a STEM community that has thrived amidst challenges.”