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.