Cape News

Two North High teachers, teacher from Skyline, named Golden Apple Recipients

Two North Fort Myers High School teachers and a first grade teacher from Skyline Elementary in Cape Coral are among the six Golden Apple Recipients for 2022.

Taylor Ashby and Kaleigh Stewart of North Fort Myers High, and Stephanie Osterhouse, of Skyline Elementary, will receive the highest honor awarded through the 35th annual Golden Apple Teacher Recognition program.

Other recipients are Steven McGinley of Harns Marsh Middle School, Ryan Arciero of Fort Myers High and Phillip Savage of Dunbar High.

These six were among 30 Golden Apple finalists who were interviewed and observed in their classrooms by the selection committee of the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools program earlier this year.

Honorees will be feted at the Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Banquet to be held Friday, April 29, at Caloosa Sound Convention Center & Amphitheater.

They, recipients and finalists alike, all have a love for what they do, teaching students and instilling that love of learning.

West Zone recipients are:

Taylor Ashby:

North Fort Myers High School

Taylor Ashby began teaching in the district nine years ago. After graduating from the University of South Florida in 2013, he began teaching at Caloosa Middle School before transitioning to North Fort Myers High School in 2017, where he has remained.

"Teaching and coaching at North was and has always been a goal since I was a student myself at North," he said.

He followed in the footsteps of his grandmother, Ronalee "Chookie" Ashby, who taught at North in the '70s, and her husband, his grandfather, James, who taught and coached at North in the 1980s.

"Currently I teach 10th grade world history and ninth through 12th grade global studies.

For Ashby, being named a Golden Apple finalist is humbling, as it is the Heisman Trophy Award of Lee County educators.

"But it's also gratifying, knowing that you are making an impact on the students you reach on a daily basis. It's also a way for me to honor the teachers I've had that made an impact on my life, along with my honoring my family's roots and legacy," he said. "Coming from a family of teachers, I'm a third generation Lee County educator. My wife, Alex, is an educator (Trafalgar Middle), my sister Miranda (Patriot Elementary) and my mother, Ave, taught in the district for 30 years. To be put into the same conversation of past teachers I've had, and colleagues that have won in the past, is enough motivation to do my best and enjoy this process."

Kaleigh Stewart:

North Fort Myers High School

Kaleigh Stewart began teaching at North Fort Myers High School five years ago where she has taught ninth and 10th grade English, both Pre-AICE and on level classes. She has taught for nine years total.

After two incredibly trying years in the classroom, Stewart said being named a Golden Apple finalist is truly the bright spot she and her students needed.

"It is no secret that teaching has been made exponentially more difficult by this pandemic, but the Golden Apple process gives the students in my class something exciting to work towards together," she said. "I cannot express the joy that brings me! I truly love what I do and am pumped to show the selection committee and Lee County that despite what may be going on in our world, we know how to have a good time in English class!"

Stephanie Osterhouse:

Skyline Elementary School

A teacher in the district for 14 years Stephanie Osterhouse began teaching at Skyline Elementary School three years ago, currently teaching first grade. She also has taught kindergarten and third grade.

"This is such an amazing opportunity! I am excited to be able to represent my school and educators in Lee County as a finalist. I am so proud of my students this year and I cannot wait to show everyone what they can do! I may be the 'finalist,' but this is as much their achievement as it is mine. I look forward to the experience and making connections with other educators that I may not have had the opportunity to meet otherwise I know it can be a stressful time, but I just want to take it all in and enjoy the ride," Osterhouse said.