Today, six outstanding Collier County educators were surprised and honored as this year’s Golden Apple recipients, highlighting their teaching best practices and dedication to elevating the profession.
The Golden Apple program, along with Classroom Grants, are Champions For Learning’s Educator Programs, which are designed to value, empower, and support educators to experience professional success, providing resources and appreciation to over 400 educators in traditional public, charter, and private schools across Collier County.
Golden Apple is an educator recognition program that unites the community in honoring, thanking and celebrating teachers each year who exemplify teaching excellence. This year, Champions For Learning returned to a beloved tradition of community nominations, allowing students, parents, and members of the community to nominate a Collier County Public School educator for the Golden Apple Award. Over 5,700 Thank-A-Teacher submissions for nearly 1,500 educators were made. Based on community nominations, 58 teachers from 58 Collier County schools were selected as this year’s Teachers of Distinction. These teachers shared their best practices, engaging and innovative learning strategies to support student success, with Champions For Learning’s community-based volunteer selection committee. After careful consideration and discussion, the committee identified six educators to receive the prestigious Golden Apple award.
Champions For Learning staff, Board members, and selection committee volunteers were joined by representatives from Suncoast Credit Union, Visionary Sponsor of the Golden Apple Program, and Collier County Public Schools to present the Golden Apples.
Congratulations to the following 2025-2026 Golden Apple Recipients!
- Elias Cuevas, Immokalee High School
- Connie Kinstler, Big Cypress Elementary School
- Wende Malik, Vineyards Elementary School
- Shanna Moss, Manatee Middle School
- Julie Raymond, Osceola Elementary School
- Stephanie Scalise, Veterans Memorial Elementary School
“Today we celebrate six exceptional educators whose talent, dedication, and care for students truly represent the very best of teaching,” said Eric Williams, President and CEO of Champions For Learning. “At the same time, we recognize the entire cohort of Teachers of Distinction and the many educators across Collier County who make a difference in students’ lives every day. The thousands of Thank-A-Teacher nominations submitted by students, parents, and community members this year remind us how deeply our teachers are valued. When a community pauses to recognize great teaching, it strengthens appreciation for the entire profession.”
The 36th Annual Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers Dinner will be held on April 17th at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa. This year’s event will return as an elegant dinner event to shine a spotlight on educators and celebrate the 2025-2026 cohort of Collier County Teachers of Distinction and Golden Apple Recipients. This evening will be centered on gratitude, recognition, and pride for those whose dedication and excellence elevate the entire teaching profession.
Also returning for this year’s event is The Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers television program, in partnership with Gulf Coast News, which will air on Saturday, May 23rd at 8pm on NBC2.
Champions For Learning would like to extend our deepest appreciation to our Visionary Sponsor, Suncoast Credit Union; Achievement Sponsor, Moorings Park; Patron Sponsor, Lipman Family Farms; Event Underwriter, Owen-Ames-Kimball; Exclusive Magazine Sponsor, Naples Illustrated; Exclusive Newspaper Sponsor, Naples Daily News; and Venue Sponsor: Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa. Thank you for being counted as advocates for Collier’s educators and the tremendous impact they have on our community.
Sponsorships and tickets are now available for the Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers, for more information visit www.ChampionsForLearning.org/goldenapple.