On Saturday, April 26th, The Education Foundation of Collier County – Champions For Learning hosted the 35th annual Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers at Naples United Church of Christ, where over 400 members of the community attended to walk the red carpet alongside the very best of Collier County’s outstanding educators. This year’s honorees included the 54 Teachers of Distinction, seven Collier County Public Schools’ Teachers of the Year, and four Golden Apple recipients, each of whom is elevating the teaching profession by implementing high impact practices that enhance student engagement.
Attendees were inspired by the words of Dr. Diana Cheshire, Dean of the College of Education at Florida Gulf Coast University, who reiterated the belief that education, from elementary classrooms to the collegiate level, is the heart and soul of workforce development. Dr. Cheshire reminded all the honorees that as teachers they are inspiring, uplifting, and changing the trajectory of their students’ lives.
The four Golden Apple honorees were introduced to the audience by one or two of their students, who were all so excited to explain how their teachers go above and beyond to ensure that their classrooms are not only full of learning, but also full of joy, laughter, and validation. The Golden Apple honorees are not only educators, but mentors, champions, and guides to their students, often cheering them on at games or recitals, and working with each and every one of their students to support their individual learning needs.
“Champions For Learning is grateful to all who joined us in celebrating our outstanding educators at the Golden Apple Celebration event,” said Dani Henderson, Director of Educator Programs at Champions For Learning. “Our educators are the backbone of the learning experience, and we are committed to serving them so that they feel valued, empowered, and equipped to be the incredible teachers, mentors, counselors, cheerleaders, and nurturers that they are for our students every day.”
The 2024-2025 Golden Apple honorees:
Amaryllis Berrios, Oakridge Middle School
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- Subject: English Language Arts
- Grades: 6th-8th
- Years Teaching: 8
- High Impact Practice: “Making Differences Through Small Group”
Gina Manville DeJager, Barron Collier High School
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- Subject: Special Education/Entrepreneurship
- Grade: 12th
- Years Teaching: 19
- High Impact Practice: “Preparing Students for L.I.F.E.”
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Erin Powell, Vineyards Elementary School
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- Subject: Elementary Visual Art
- Grades: K-5th
- Years Teaching: 13
- High Impact Practice: “Visual Aids for Visual Arts”
Sydney Whittaker, Lake Park Elementary School
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- Subject: ELA & Social Studies
- Grades: 4th
- Years Teaching: 5
- High Impact Practice: “Molding Leaders Through Meaningful Moments”
Attendees were also treated to an array of musical performances by Collier County students, including the Gulf Coast High School String Quartet set up in the courtyard as they took their seats in the Sanctuary, Liz Drugan’s Music Class at Seacrest Country Day School who played live during the awards show, the Aubrey Rodgers High School Orchestra, who was kind enough to record musical interludes for us to play in between speakers, and Ashley Crosby’s Jazz Bank who performed during the reception.
The Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers would not be possible without the partnership of the event sponsors. Thank you to Visionary Sponsor, Suncoast Credit Union. The event is supported by Achievement Sponsor, Moorings Park; Patron Sponsor, Publix Super Market Charities; and Event Underwriters, Cummings and Lockwood LLC and Florida Gulf Coast University. Naples Illustrated is the Exclusive Magazine Sponsor and Naples Daily News is the Exclusive Newspaper Sponsor. A special thank you to Naples United Church of Christ for the use of their incredible space for the event. Champions For Learning thanks all sponsors for their continued support.
About Champions For Learning™
Founded in 1990, the Education Foundation of Collier County – Champions For Learning mission is to serve as a catalyst for educational success by investing in Collier’s students and educators. Champions For Learning’s Student Programs are designed to equip and prepare students for their future learning and career goals. Champions For Learning’s Educator Programs are designed to value, empower, and support our educators to experience professional success. Recognized as the education foundation serving Collier County by the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, Champions For Learning serves as a unifying force within the community by driving collective action towards the common goal of student and educator success.
Champions For Learning is a volunteer driven organization. Of the 428 people who volunteer with us each year, over half dedicate two to four hours of their time to our organization every week. With dedicated volunteers and a committed administrative team, Champions For Learning embodies the belief that education is everything!
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