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Teacher appreciation week 2022 is the first week of May. This year, more than ever, teachers deserve to be celebrated.

“Our teachers are the frontline to our students’ education. Our district’s vision is all students will complete school prepared for ongoing learning as well as community and global responsibilities. In order to do that, we must take care of our teachers,” said Jenny Knutowski, principal at Golden Gate Middle School.

After two unpredictable years, educators are still dealing with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic while going above and beyond for their school.

Knutowski says that when people are appreciated, they do more. Much like how Golden Gate Middle School uses positive encouragement to build students up, teachers need the same.

Teacher appreciation week provides another opportunity for students, parents, and the community to express their support for schools.

That is why this year, much like last year, Champions For Learning is striving to raise to funds to provide Collier County schools with funding to celebrate teachers at the school level.

100% of all contributions will go to schools for their teacher appreciation week activities.

Last year, some of these activities included food trucks, spirit days, t-shirts and much more.

If you or your organization would like to donate, you can do so by clicking here.

Champions For Learning Recognized for Program Excellence by Take Stock in Children

Champions For Learning has received the Luminary Award from the Take Stock in Children (TSIC) state office by earning a Gold rating and meeting or exceeding 100% of key performance indicator goals.

Champions For Learning is an affiliate organization for the Take Stock in Children program which promotes mentoring, college success and college scholarships in the state of Florida. Students who begin the program in the eighth grade are provided a caring volunteer mentor, college and career readiness resources and, upon graduation from high school, a two-year scholarship which can be used toward any Florida public college or university, or to a vocational/trade school.

To support the students during the pandemic, Champions For Learning created new programs for mentors and students and ensured the pairs were able to meet in person and virtually. Despite these challenges, they managed to continue, and even increase, their mentoring program with local volunteers and students.

“These awards recognize the hard work of our staff to provide local Collier County students with high quality mentoring and support so they can be successful in a post-secondary education of their choosing,” said Susan McManus, President & CEO of Champions For Learning, “I’m beyond proud of their tireless dedication.”

This is the third time Champions For Learning has earned a perfect score and is being recognized with the Luminary Award.

Jillian Hasner, President and CEO of Take Stock in Children said, “Daily, our affiliate staff continues their amazing work transforming the lives of deserving students throughout the state.”

Each student in the program is matched with a volunteer adult mentor, and Champions For Learning is currently recruiting mentors for the upcoming year. Mentors traditionally meet with their student mentees at least fifteen times per year on the school campus.

To learn more about how you can join in, please visit www.ChampionsForLearning.org or call (239) 643-4755.

From Naples, Florida to Salt Lake City, Utah. More than 2,400 miles won’t get in the way of Fernando Orellana and Chuck Carlsen.

Orellana is an alumnus of Champions For Learning and is currently in his last semester at Florida Gulf Coast University studying software engineering. Two weeks after graduation, Orellana plans to move across the country to begin a job as an Engineering Analyst in the Global Markets Division at Goldman Sachs.

With a full-time job lined up before receiving a college diploma, Orellana says he did not always know what he wanted to pursue after high school. He credits his recent accomplishments to his family, Champions For Learning and his mentor, Chuck Carlsen.

“Chuck has done a lot in my life and a lot of the things I have accomplished are thanks to him,” said Orellana.

Carlsen was Orellana’s mentor for four years while he attended Lorenzo Walker Technical High School.

“It was a terrific experience. I had more fun engaging and talking with him about certain skills in life and seeing him develop into the person he is today. It was very rewarding,” said Carlsen.

During a time when Orellana did not know what his future held for him, Carlsen was there to provide support and options.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to major in when I was in high school, so I would just talk to Chuck about how I want to be an FBI agent, or I want to be an OR surgeon,” said Orellana. “He would bring in people that actually worked in those fields just so I could talk to them and see what their jobs are and see if I would like it. He just made everything possible, and he was always there for me.”

Orellana says talking with multiple people from different professions gave him a better understanding of what to expect later in life.

“He had different interests. So, I brought different friends of mine in to meet and to talk to him about whatever his interests were, or to give him some life skill ideas of what he could do in his life,” said Carlsen. “He had a real good understanding when they left about what things happen in life and how things go together.”

Orellana says he has always liked math and computers. After researching careers and working with Carlsen, he decided to pursue software engineering.

Carlsen’s mentorship did not stop when Orellana graduated from the Champions For Learning program. The two have stayed in touch throughout Orellana’s time in college.

“We stay in touch by meeting frequently for lunch. I don’t know how it’s going to work when he goes to Salt Lake City, but we’ll figure it out,” said Carlsen.

While Carlsen and Orellana may not know how staying in touch will look when they live states away, it is certain they will remain part of each other’s lives for years to come.

“Chuck will always be in my heart. He will always be my friend, no matter what happens,” said Orellana.

Champions For Learning is in need of more amazing mentors for our soon-to-be selected class of 8th grade students.

Yadira Vintimilla has been a mentor at Champions For Learning since 2018.

“Growing up, I did not have access to this type of relationship. As I attempted to navigate through my own educational and career goals, I realized how valuable and important it is to have someone to learn from”, said Vintimilla.

To hear more of Vintimilla’s story, watch her video here. 

What to Expect When Becoming a Mentor

Mentors are excellent listeners that provide guidance, motivation, support and role-modeling to grow the mentee’s life skills. In turn, we hope you find a rewarding and mutually beneficial experience with your mentee.

Mentors should have 2+ years of Collier/Lee County residency. A minimum of 15 sessions with your mentee is required within the academic calendar year. In addition, Champions For Learning provides training and workshops to attend with your mentee, and networking events with other mentors.

How to Become a Mentor

All new individuals seeking to learn more are asked to attend a virtual All About Mentoring session to better understand information regarding the program and the role and responsibilities of a mentor, including the next steps to getting started.

To view upcoming dates and times, and reserve your virtual spot, visit: ChampionsForLearning.org/LearnMore

Seven Collier County teachers left their classrooms at the end of the day Thursday with Golden Apple awards recognizing their standout teaching skills for the 2021-22 school year.

Students in all the classes, spanning schools from central Naples to rural Immokalee in eastern Collier, were equally thrilled for their teachers, often mentors who help shape their futures.

From earlier:Who are the top teachers in Collier schools? Teachers of Distinction named ahead of Golden Apples

Champions For Learning, the education foundation in Collier that co-sponsors the Golden Apples now in its 32nd year, brought back the in-person surprise awards at the schools Thursday. The COVID-19 pandemic caused last year’s classroom visits to be canceled.

The Golden Apple recipients are Robert Boyle, Immokalee Technical College; Amanda Bray, Lake Trafford Elementary School; Dyan E. Konicek, Immokalee Middle School; Stephanie Kutz and Lauren York, Lake Park Elementary School; Mishelle Levine, Oakridge Middle School; and Heather Stallings, Calusa Park Elementary School.

A community-based selection committee for Champions For Learning identifies each year six teaching practices that the teachers have nurtured and perfected to empower their students to be engaged, to learn and be their best.

Representatives from Suncoast Credit Union, a presenting sponsor of the Golden Apples recognition program, joined Champions For Learning staff and volunteers to present the awards.

Sixty teachers representing 58 public schools were recognized in October as Teachers of Distinction by Champions For Learning. From that list, the Golden Apples winners were selected with Kutz and York of Lake Park sharing one of the six awards.

Read more:Who is your school’s Teacher of Distinction? Collier’s education foundation released the list

“At Suncoast Credit Union, we believe a community that invests in their educators builds a strong foundation for students, businesses and community at large,” Cindy Helton, executive director, said in a news release. “By creating learning opportunities through community grants, Suncoast helps create stronger teachers and students. For this reason, we create opportunities for educators to share best practices and to grow professionally.”

The 2021-22 Golden Apple teachers receive a $5,000 grant from Suncoast for building their best practices.  All Teachers of Distinction receive a $250 award, and the Golden Apple recipients receive an additional cash award thanks to Mary Ingram.

The community will honor the Golden Apple recipients, the Teachers of Distinction, and the Teachers of the Year at the Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers Dinner on April 22 at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort.

Representatives from Suncoast Credit Union, Presenting Sponsor of the Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program, were joined by major sponsors, Champions For Learning staff and volunteers to present the awards to the teachers in their classrooms. 60 Teachers of Distinction representing 58 Collier County Public Schools shared their best practices. Champions For Learning’s community-based selection committee identified six practices to highlight as part of the Golden Apple process.

Congratulations to the following 2021-2022 Golden Apple recipients.  See attached list for the names of Teachers of Distinction.

• Robert Boyle, Immokalee Technical College
• Amanda Bray, Lake Trafford Elementary
• Dyan E. Konicek, Immokalee Middle
• Stephanie Kutz & Lauren York, Lake Park Elementary
• Mishelle Levine, Oakridge Middle
• Heather Stallings, Calusa Park Elementary

“At Suncoast Credit Union, we believe a community that invests in their educators builds a strong foundation for students, businesses and community at large. By creating learning opportunities through community grants, Suncoast helps create stronger teachers and students. For this reason, we create opportunities for educators to share best practices and to grow professionally, “ said Cindy Helton executive director of the Suncoast Credit Union foundation.  “Being able to recognize dedicated teachers who stand above the rest is the heart of the Golden Apple Awards. Our goal by participating in The Golden Apple Awards is that the grants will inspire teachers to continue investing in our students and to develop innovative practices.”

The foundation of Suncoast Credit Union is funded through the credit union members’ use of their debit and credit cards. The Suncoast for Schools Rewards Debit Card and VISA Credit Card program automatically generates funds that are dedicated to education and health-related initiatives benefiting children in the local community.

The 2021-2022 Golden Apple recipients will each receive a grant ($5,000) from Suncoast Credit Union to allow the building of their best practices.  All Teachers of Distinction receive a $250 award, and the Golden Apple recipients receive an additional cash award thanks to Mary Ingram.

The community will honor and thank the Golden Apple Recipients, Teachers of Distinction, and Collier County Public Schools Teachers of the Year at the Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers Dinner on April 22, 2022 at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples.

The 2022 Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers is presented by Suncoast Credit Union.  Additional support is provided by our Major Sponsors: Conditioned Air, Moorings Park, Naples Daily News, NBC-2, Mary Ingram and Stock Development.

Opportunities to sponsor schools to attend the event are available. For more information on event sponsorships and ticket sales go to www.ChampionsForLearning.org/golden-apple.

Families, students, and the entire community are invited to join in the celebration by tuning in to NBC-2 for the Golden Apple television program highlighting the great work of teachers in Collier County classrooms.  The program will be aired on Sunday, April 24th on NBC-2 at 7:00pm.

Champions For Learning is dedicated to creating life-changing learning experiences for students. One way this is achieved is through the mentor program Champions For Learning offers.

Students are accepted into the program in 8th grade and matched with a mentor through high school. Someone who encourages them and helps them achieve their career and colleges goals after graduation.

Many mentors involved in the program have done so for years. Wayne Mullican has been mentoring students through Champions For Learning over four years.

“I did this for the gratification of helping students succeed in life,” says Mullican. “It is one of the most gratifying things I have done.”

Mullican says mentoring is a way to give back to his community when his golf game is not doing great.

More Mentors Needed 

At the end of the month, the process of matching current 8th graders, who have just been selected into the Champions For Learning program, with mentors will take place. However, Champions For Learning is in need of more wonderful mentors who want to support education in Collier County and impact students’ lives.

CFL is in search of people like mentor Dottie Whipple.

“I value education. I went to college my whole life at night,” says Whipple.

Whipple says as a single mother, she worked hard for her education. Her and her son were in college at the same time. Whipple graduated a year before her son.

Whipple says she did not know about Champions For Learning and its mentor program when her son was in high school. Instead, she was the champion and mentor for him. Now, knowing about the program, she is able to help other students succeed.

“It’s wonderful to help someone look forward to a future they never though they would achieve,” says Whipple.

Dottie volunteers alongside her husband, John Whipple.

“It’s like being a guide. Helping these students get to the next level,” says John.

Volunteers such as Wayne, Dottie and John are the reason many high schoolers in Collier County are successful in high school and move on to accomplish great things. It is because these high schoolers have someone in addition to their parents in their corner, rooting for them and helping them.

Becoming a Mentor

If you are wanting to give back to the community, consider becoming a mentor today. A schedule for upcoming meetings and gatherings for those wanting to become a mentor can be found under ‘Learn More’ on the Champions For Learning website. To apply to become a mentor and for more information on the mentor program, you can visit the Champions For Learning website.

Mentors should have 2+ years of Collier/Lee County residency. A minimum of 15 sessions with your mentee is required within the academic calendar year. All new individuals seeking to become a mentor are asked to attend an All About Mentoring learning session, to better understand information regarding the mentoring program and the role and responsibilities of a mentor, including the next steps to becoming a mentor. Champions For Learning provides training and workshops to attend with your mentee, and networking events with other mentors.

The Suncoast Credit Union is making a difference in the lives of Champions For Learning students in various ways. From financial lessons, to providing five, $2,000 scholarships to 2022 high school seniors, it is evident Suncoast Credit Union cares about future generations success.

“Young adulthood is a great time to learn money management techniques that can last a lifetime. Familiarizing high schoolers with financial concepts empowers them to make wise decisions when they become financially independent,” said Rhiannon Ray, Youth Outreach Specialist at Suncoast Credit Union.

Suncoast Credit Union has hosted multiple zoom sessions with Champions For Learning. Financial experts from the credit union have provided students guidance on financial situations they may encounter after graduation.

“I knew a few things about it [finances], but this presentation really explained credit scores and what I can focus on later on when I’m trying to build my credit, or buy a home or get a loan.” said Juliana, Champions for Learning student and 9th grader at Lely High School. “It really explained and elaborated what I need to pursue later on in my future.”

Financial experts from Suncoast Credit Union discussed factors to consider when preparing for financial independence. Topics such as budgeting, how to use credit wisely, preparing for future bills and how to open a checking and savings account were just a few of the topics discussed.

“We hope to create a space where learners can ask questions, set goals, and learn the necessary steps to becoming financially secure,” said Ray.

For some students, the topic of financial independence is relevant now. This is true for Juliana. She is only a freshman, but is already preparing for life after she receives her drivers license by planning to buy a car of her own.

“I do a lot of sports and extracurriculars. I feel like it’s very important to have stable transportation,” said Juliana.

Already having a solid grasp on finances, Juliana says the zoom session was still beneficial.

“Essentially, I really need to budget more. When it comes to budgeting, I have to find a value of how much I want to spend on myself, on the car and on other things like food and bills I might have to pay later on,” she said.

Now with the financial advice from Suncoast Credit Union, Juliana hopes to soon get a job, then save and budget for a car.

In addition to the financial literacy lessons being hosted by Suncoast Credit Union, each year the credit union invests in our community through five, $2,000 scholarships available to all Collier County seniors.

“We believe the best way we can build better communities is by investing in education and health-related initiatives for children,” said Cindy Helton, Executive Director of the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. “Through the Suncoast Credit Union Scholars program, we have the opportunity to invest in individual human potential, which is particularly rewarding.”

For more information on the Suncoast Credit Union Scholarship as well as qualifications, visit the Champions For Learning Website. 

The preparation for an event the caliber of Night of Champions begins months out. However, the color schemes and seating charts are not the only things being prepared.

“The preparation for Night of Champions happened well before the event. The prep started weeks ago during our lab sessions with students,” says Ashlie Johnson, Chief Program Officer, Champions For Learning.

12^th grade students began preparing for Night of Champions weeks prior to the event.

What began with networking mixers ended with high school seniors putting their newly learned skills to the test Friday, February 4^th.

Night of Champions is a signature event at Champions For Learning, this year sponsored by Huntington Private Bank. The event celebrates the community of Champions that have changed the lives of hundreds of Collier County students. This important celebration showcases the vibrant community, students and volunteers who help make Champions For Learning successful.

High school seniors who participated in this year’s event first learned how to converse with a stranger. They were taught and practiced scenarios such as entering a conversation, exiting a conversation and interrupting a conversation.

The following week, students put their newly learned conversation skills to the test at the Naples Yacht Club, where they learned proper etiquette and table manners. Former Mayor of Naples, Bill Barnett and Brenda O’Connor of the Naples Yacht Club, were in attendance to teach students the power of a good handshake.

“All of the efforts we have made in preparation, were truly to equip the students so they could be authentically themselves and actually enjoy the evening,” says Johnson.

Preparation for the event also included teaching students how to write an effective thank you note. This, to ensure table hosts at the event are shown appreciation and thanked.

These lifelong lessons will set students up for success in whatever they do.

High school seniors are not the only students being impacted by this event. Students like Jeffrey, an 11^th grader at Lorenzo Walker Technical High School and part of the Champions for Learning program, recognize the importance of Night of Champions.

‘I felt like it was an opportunity for me to contribute to the community, especially Champions For Learning. I know they do a lot for the students. The least you can do as a student is try and help contribute with them,” says Jeffrey.

Jeffrey dedicated a Monday afternoon to helping Champions For Learning stuff envelopes for the event. A tedious task that he completed with a smile.

“I could be home, doing some homework or just chilling in my room. I felt like, I always want to contribute, especially with this program. They offer a lot of opportunities. They offer a lot of help for not just me, but to every single student who is a part of Champions,” says Jeffrey.

Next year, current 11^th graders like Jeffrey in the Champions For Learning program will have the same opportunity to learn etiquette and life skills in preparation for Night of Champions.