Proviso Press Release

HILLSIDE, Ill. –Proviso Township High School District 209 announced that Proviso West High School Principal Jeremy Christian has been named the 2026 High School Principal of the Year for the West Cook Region by the Illinois Principals Association.

The honor is part of the Horace Mann/Illinois Principals Association High School Principal of the Year Awards program, which annually recognizes outstanding high school leaders who demonstrate excellence in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students. Award recipients are selected by their peers and recognized for exemplary contributions to the profession and for excelling in seven areas of leadership, including school climate, instructional improvement, collaboration, innovation and community engagement.

Regional winners advance to the state-level competition. State honorees will be announced in early 2026 and formally recognized at the Illinois Principals Association Education Leaders Annual Conference, scheduled for Oct. 18–20, 2026. The state winner will receive a plaque and a $1,000 honorarium and may also be eligible to participate in the National Association of Secondary School Principals awards program.

Christian met rigorous eligibility and selection criteria, including demonstrated positive impact on education, strong advocacy for students, a commitment to continuous improvement, and the ability to foster a positive school climate with high staff and student morale. Under his leadership, Proviso West has focused on strengthening instructional practices, building collaborative relationships and engaging families and the broader community to support student success.

“I am truly humbled and honored to receive this recognition,” Christian said. “I have a strong passion to work with our teachers, parents, and community to make our school better! This award reflects the incredible work of our students, staff and families and our shared commitment to making West Better. I am grateful to be part of a school community that believes in high expectations, shared responsibility and doing what’s best for our kids every day.”

District 209 Superintendent Krish Mohip praised Christian’s leadership and impact on the Proviso West community.

“I am incredibly proud of Mr. Christian and this well-deserved recognition,” Mohip said. “Having the opportunity to nominate him for this honor was an easy decision. His leadership has been exactly what Proviso West needed — steady, student-centered and focused on building trust, culture and opportunity. He has made a meaningful difference for students, staff and families, and this award reflects the strength of his vision and commitment.”

For more information about the Illinois Principals Association Principal of the Year Awards program, visit ilprincipals.org.