Tears of joy and roars of surprise filled the halls of Lee County schools as six teachers were honored with Golden Apples Friday.
The Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program, funded by The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, awards exemplary teachers in Lee County's school district with a prize and a donation to the winner's school.
Thirty finalists are chosen based on nominations and reviews submitted by students, parents, peers, and administrators.
The selection committee has a difficult task on its hands. After seeing these teachers in their classes and learning who they are through personal interviews, they must choose only six to receive the Golden Apple Award.
As always, this year's winners are the cream of the crop.
Brittany Owen, Trafalgar Elementary
Brittany Owen, who teaches first grade at Trafalgar Elementary, was the first to receive the Golden Apple Award on Friday.
Her first graders swarmed her in a group hug as the award was handed off. Owens has been teaching for seven years and said the award "represents how amazing our district is and all the teachers and support we get from the district."
Danielle Hopkins, Hancock Creek Elementary
The second stop on the Golden Apple tour was Hancock Creek Elementary, where the colorful Danielle Hopkins teaches art.
Hopkins has been teaching for 13 years. She gave a shout-out to a former art teacher in the Lee County School District, who gifted her a human-sized paint pallet and brush to inspire her work.
Kelsey Olsen, Edison Park Creative & Expressive Arts
The midpoint mark of the Golden Apple excursion kicked off at Edison Park Creative & Expressive Arts School.
Kelsey Olsen, who teaches fourth-grade math, accepted her award with joyful tears. Her daughter ran into her arms after the award was presented. Olsen was once a student at the school where she now teaches. She told Gulf Coast News that she has always dreamed of teaching one day.
Paul Chilson, Pinewoods Elementary
Pinewoods Elementary School is home to the Gold Apple Awards fourth recipient, Paul Chilson.
Chilson teaches reading, writing, and social studies for fifth grade. Teaching three subjects — what can't he do?
"This (award) is the community; it's the kids, and it's all the great staff that I work with. This isn't just me; it's them," Chilson said.
Jamie Miller, Harns Marsh Middle
The last two Golden Apple Awards went to the same school.
Harns Marsh Middle pumped out prize-worthy educators left and right.
Jamie Miller teaches civics to seventh-grade students at the now-gilded school. Miller was in pure shock, shaking as she received the fifth Golden Apple of the day. Miller says humor and happiness are a huge part of her teaching style.
Janet Bernard, Harns Marsh Middle
The final Golden Apple traveled down some stairs to find its recipient in Janet Bernard, who teaches pre-algebra and algebra honors for eighth grade.
Bernard has been teaching for 38 years. She says she has taught pilots and lawyers, so she can always call a student in a pinch. Bernard used to teach in the Virgin Islands.
You can catch an in-depth profile on each winner in the coming weeks, only on Gulf Coast News.
DOWNLOAD
the free
Gulf Coast News app
for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more.