For Educators, Golden Apple, Our Work for Educators

Champions For Learning Hosts Golden Apple Celebration

On March 31, Champions For Learning hosted the 27th Annual Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers Dinner. During this event the community honored and thanked the Golden Apple Recipients, Teachers of Distinction, and Collier County Public Schools Teachers of the Year.

Community members were treated to students introducing their teachers and teachers sharing their passion for the profession. Champions For Learning also honored Myra Janco Daniels as the 2016-2017 Heart of the Apple recipient.

All Teachers of Distinction received a $500 cash award, and the Golden Apple recipients received an additional $500 award thanks to the Mary Ingram Fund of the Columbus Foundation.  Each 2016-17 Golden Apple recipient receives a grant of up to $5,000 from Suncoast Credit Union to build on their best practices.

“At Suncoast Credit Union, we believe that the stronger we make our teachers, the stronger our students will be. 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.  “The Golden Apple Awards enable us to recognized teachers whose dedication and practices stand above the rest. We hope that the grants will inspire them to continue investing in our students and to develop innovative practices.”

The Suncoast Credit Union Foundation 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.

For those who couldn’t attend the event, Champions For Learning invites them to watch the Golden Apple television program, which will be rebroadcast multiple times after April 4 on The Education Channel.

Presenting Sponsor: Suncoast Credit Union

Major Sponsors: Adams Food Inc./McDonald’s, Arthrex, CenturyLink, Conditioned Air, Gulfshore Life, Mary Ingram Fund of the Columbus Foundation, Moorings Park, Naples Daily News, NBC-2,