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Mrs. Kathy Lafary Named 2026 Illinois Principals Association Western Region Principal of the Year
Mrs. Kathy Lafary Named 2026 Illinois Principals Association Western Region Principal of the Year
West Central Elementary School Principal Mrs. Kathy Lafary has been honored as the 2026 Principal of the Year for the Western Region by the Illinois Principals Association (IPA). This award recognizes outstanding elementary school principals who have demonstrated a significant positive impact on their students, staff, and broader learning community.
The IPA Western Region includes Henderson, Hancock, Warren, McDonough, Knox, and Fulton counties.
Mrs. Lafary’s selection highlights her exceptional leadership at West Central Elementary School, where she has served as principal for 14 years. With a total of 33 years in education, she has dedicated her career to fostering a nurturing and effective learning environment.
Mrs. Lafary emphasized that the recognition is not hers alone but a shared accomplishment.
“I was recently honored with this award, and while receiving this recognition is a great privilege, it has also given me an opportunity to reflect on what truly makes our school successful,” she said.
“While my name may be on this award, the honor is shared. It is a direct reflection of the remarkable people who have shaped my journey in education.”
She expressed deep gratitude to her family for their support during demanding hours, as well as to the school’s students, staff, families, and community partners. “I am so fortunate to work alongside a team that inspires me daily with their passion and unwavering commitment to our children,” she added.
Mrs. Lafary extended specific thanks to key groups:
To our students: Thank you for being the reason we show up with joy every day.
To our staff: Thank you for your relentless dedication and support.
To our families: Thank you for your trust and collaboration.
To our partners: Thank you for providing the resources that help our students thrive.
She described West Central Elementary as her “second home” and reaffirmed her commitment to a community that prioritizes education and kindness.
Superintendent Stacey Day echoed this praise, describing Mrs. Lafary as the ideal principal every district hopes to have.
“Kathy Lafary is the type of principal all school districts wish they had on their teams,” Day stated. “She works tirelessly to support her students and staff. The impact she has left on her students, families, staff and community will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
“She is humble and doesn’t desire for the spotlight to be on her, but no one is more deserving of this outstanding recognition...
“We are so proud of her and know that she has made us all better by being a pillar of leadership and dedication at West Central Schools.
Day also noted the bittersweet nature of the honor, as Mrs. Lafary plans to retire at the end of the current school year. “We are sad to know that she won’t be walking the halls with us next school year after she retires, but we are excited for her to have that much deserved time with her family! From all of us at West Central Schools, we say Congratulations, Mrs. Lafary!”
As she prepares for retirement, Mrs. Lafary remains focused on one final legacy project: the installation of a brand-new elementary playground. She described it as her “greatest wish” to provide students with a safe, modern space for play and growth.
“We aren’t done yet! We have one more big project to finish: a brand-new elementary playground,” she said. “If you are able, I invite you to join me in funding this new equipment. Every contribution helps us reach the finish line and ensures that our children have the inviting play space they deserve for years to come.”
Mrs. Lafary’s award and her ongoing dedication exemplify the profound influence of committed educational leaders.
The West Central community joins in celebrating this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to honoring her lasting contributions as she transitions to the next chapter. Congratulations to Mrs. Kathy Lafary on this achievement!
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