C
OLLIER COUNTY, Fla.– Each year, a select number of teachers that go above and beyond are presented a Golden Apple Award.
This year, the non-profit organization, Champions For Learning, decided all teachers in the Collier County School District deserve something special during National Teacher Appreciation Week.
For teachers across the country, it’s been a difficult 14 months.
Bruce Mousa, Incoming Chair for Champions For Learning said, “We consider the educators the superheroes and just because they’re dealing with a precious commodity.”
Some teachers thrust themselves into a new world of virtual learning while others worked to maintain a COVID-safe classroom environment.
Kelsey Ruemler, Media Specialist at Gulfview Middle School said, “I wake up every single morning thinking what I can do to help these students be successful.”
“This year, all educators are Golden Apple winners,” Mousa said.
The non-profit teamed up with local sponsors to gift each school a bushel of apples, flowers, and a $2,000 grant for administrators to use however they’d like.
At Poinciana Elementary School, Principal Jessica Davis said her staff decided to put a twist on their mantra this school year.
“….Our Flame of Knowledge Burns Bright and then during Teacher Appreciation Week it is Our Flame of Knowledge Burns Bright Because of You. You being the teachers,” Davis said.
Just like every other day the school decided to put the kids first and use the grant to rent air hockey tables, bring in a food truck, and gift students lunch bags.