The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools holds 38th Annual Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Banquet
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The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools hosted its 38th Annual Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Banquet Friday, April 25, at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center & Amphitheater in downtown Fort Myers. The elegant, black-tie event offered the community an opportunity to honor the six Lee County Golden Apple recipients, 24 finalists and 65 Teachers of Distinction.
The 2025 Golden Apple Recipients are:
• Janet Bernard – Harns Marsh Middle
• Paul Chilson – Pinewoods Elementary
• Danielle Hopkins – Hancock Creek Elementary
• Jamie Miller – Harns Marsh Middle
• Kelsey Olsen – Edison Park Creative & Expressive Arts
• Brittany Owen – Trafalgar Elementary
"Every year at this time, The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools' Board of Directors, business and community partners, staff and the community at large, celebrate the teaching profession." says Marshall T. Bower, president & CEO of The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. "We do this because good teachers are the foundation of a good public school system, which, in turn, is necessary for an economically strong community. The profoundly important role teachers play in helping our community's greatest asset, our students, succeed at their highest potential cannot be overstated. These six teachers we honor tonight are prime examples of all the great teachers we have in the School District of Lee County!"
Having been nominated by students, parents, and community members, the six Golden Apple Recipients were selected after completing a three-step process: a comprehensive application; observation of their classroom teaching skills; and a professional interview by the Selection Committee. Selection criteria covered both the art and science of teaching, focusing on effective communication of subject matter, deep concern for students' needs, and the ability to inspire a love of learning.
The Foundation noted its gratitude for the generosity of its major sponsors: Chico's FAS Inc., FineMark National Bank & Trust, Lee County Sheriff's Office, Lee Health, McDonalds, Gulf coast News, The News-Press, Owen-Ames-Kimball/Thomas Marine Construction, Suffolk Construction, Suncoast Credit Union and Waste Pro.
The Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program was the first major project founded and developed by The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc. Since its inception 38 years ago, as a way to enhance public education by recognizing and rewarding excellence in teaching, the Foundation has awarded 219 educators with the prestigious Golden Apple. The Golden Apple program has received national and state recognition and has become a model for similar programs developed elsewhere in the United States and throughout Florida.
About The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools
The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc. is a private 501(C)(3) organization established in 1986. Its mission is to enhance and enrich the quality of public education in Lee County for students and educators through programs, resources, and experiences made possible through corporate, individual, and educational partnerships. Find us online at www.leeschoolfoundation.org, on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.