Congratulations Myra Janco Daniels 2016-17 Heart of the Apple Recipient!
We would like to congratulate Myra Janco Daniels as our Heart of the Apple recipient for all that she has done for the community!
We’ll be honoring her along with the Golden Apple recipients at our Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers Dinner!
To reserve your spot click here.
To learn more about the Heart of the Apple and pas recipients click here.
Announcing 2016-2017 Golden Apple Recipients!
On February 14, students in six Collier County classrooms received bushels of Golden Delicious apples as their teachers were surprised with Golden Apple awards, which highlight best practices in teaching. Representatives from Suncoast Credit Union, presenting sponsor of the Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program, were joined by Champions For Learning board members, sponsors, and volunteers to present the awards to the teachers in their classrooms.
Congratulations to the following 2016-17 Golden Apple recipients. See attached list for the names of Teachers of Distinction.
- Joanna Campanile & Janell Matos, Poinciana Elementary
- Anne Fredette, Lorenzo Walker Technical College
- Ashley Lynn Heirls, Highlands Elementary
- Maria T. LaRocco, Sabal Palm Elementary
- Amanda McCoy, Manatee Middle
- Stacy M. Smith, Palmetto Ridge High
Click here to see the list of the Golden Apple Recipients and Teachers of Distinction.
“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 2016-17 Golden Apple recipients will each receive a grant (up to $5,000) from Suncoast Credit Union to allow the building of best practices. All Teachers of Distinction receive a $500 award, and the Golden Apple recipients receive an additional $500 award thanks to the Mary Ingram Fund of the Columbus Foundation.
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.
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 March 31, 2017. We will also be honoring Myra Janco Daniels as the 2016-2017 Heart of the Apple recipient for her contribution to our community.
The event is presented by Suncoast Credit Union and is generously hosted by the Naples Grande Beach Resort. Additional support is provided by Adams Food, Inc./McDonald’s, Arthrex, CenturyLink, Conditioned Air, Gulfshore Life, the Mary Ingram Fund of the Columbus Foundation, Moorings Park, Naples Daily News, and NBC-2.
The event hashtag will be #goldenapplecollier and #Champions4Collier
For information on attending and/or event sponsorships, visit www.ChampionsForLearning.org/GA.
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 March 31 on NBC-2 at 8:00pm, and rebroadcast multiple times after April 2 on The Education Channel.
3rd Annual Night of Champions
Champions For Learning is proud to have honored community leaders at the Night of Champions event that was held on February 2, 2017 at the Naples Grande Beach Resort.
The 2016-2017 Night of Champions honorees are: Michael J. Adams, Della Burt-Bradley, Theo Etzel, Kaleigh Grover, Cindy Helton, Thelma Hodges, Claudine Léger-Wetzel, Andrea & Felix Lluberes, Susan & Wayne Mullican, Senator Garrett Richter, Joan & Jack Toren, Sharon & Dolph von Arx, and Michael A. Wynn.
Through your support we were able to raise over a half million dollars for our student programs!
Thank you to the generous sponsors:
Presenting sponsor: Wells Fargo
Major Sponsors: Arthrex, Capital Wealth Advisors, Suncoast, CenturyLink, Beverly Feagin, Laimbeer Family Gift Fund, McGlynn Family Foundation, Publix Super Markets Charities, Trendy Travel and Tours, Waterside Shops.
Click here to see photos from the event.
Congratulations Tien! Recipient of Take Stock in Children’s Leaders 4 Life Scholarship!
Champions For Learning is proud to announce that one of their students, Tien Nguyen of Naples High, was the recipient of Take Stock in Children’s Leaders 4 Life Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to six highly motivated Take Stock in Children scholars from across the state of Florida that have demonstrated strong leadership skills, moral character and academic success. As one of the six Leaders 4 Life Fellows, Tien will receive a $40,000 scholarship!
Teachers of Distinction McDonald’s Breakfast!
On Monday, January 9, we honored our Teachers of Distinction at a special breakfasat generously hosted by Adams Foods, Inc./McDonald’s
Click here to view photos from the event!
We are looking forward to celebrating at the Golden Apple Teacher Dinner presented by Suncoast Credit Union on March 31!
Click here for more event information.
Participate in Give Where You Live Collier!
Make a lasting impact on the lives of students and participate in Give Where You Live Collier! Give Where You Live Collier is a Collier County-wide movement to celebrate and increase philanthropy in our community through online giving. Make a contribution between noon on Feb. 15 and ending at noon on Feb. 16. Every donation in support of Champions For Learning will be proportionately matched! Click here for more information.
Fun Ways to Support Champions For Learning!
Looking for something to do? Why not have a good time while also supporting local students and teachers?
Here are just a few events we have going on. Proceeds from each event will help support Champions For Learning.
- Sip and Shop at Waterside Shops: Visit the Bloody Mary Bar at Waterside Shops’ Pavilion January through March from 12pm – 3pm.
- Cruise For Kids: From 1/16-1/22, enjoy any Pure Florida Naples activity; fishing, jet ski or boat rentals, eco-cruises, or daily sightseeing or sunset cruises and a portion of your ticket sale will benefit Champions for Learning. SEAS The Day with Pure Florida Naples!
Mentors Needed!
Champions For Learning is currently seeking mentors for students in its Take Stock in Children program, with a particular need for female mentors.
