Golden Apple Recipients

Students in six Collier County classrooms received bushels of Golden Delicious apples as their teachers were surprised with Golden Apple awards, which highlight best practices in teaching.

The 2016-17 Golden Apple recipients will each receive a grant (up to $5,000) from Suncoast Credit Union to allow the building of best practices. All Teachers of Distinction receive a $500 award, and the Golden Apple recipients receive an additional $500 award thanks to the Mary Ingram Fund of the Columbus Foundation.

The community will honor and thank the Golden Apple Recipients, Teachers of Distinction, and Collier County Public Schools Teachers of the Year at the Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers Dinner on March 31, 2017. We will also be honoring Myra Janco Daniels as the 2016-2017 Heart of the Apple recipient for her contribution to our community.

2016-2017 Golden Apple Recipients: 

• Joanna Campanile & Janell Matos, Poinciana Elementary
• Anne Fredette, Lorenzo Walker Technical College
• Ashley Lynn Heirls, Highlands Elementary
• Maria T. LaRocco, Sabal Palm Elementary
• Amanda McCoy, Manatee Middle
• Stacy M. Smith, Palmetto Ridge High

Teachers of Distinction: 

• Tara L. Barr, Lorenzo Walker Technical High
• Staci Haralson Barretta, Big Cypress Elementary
• Steven Becker, Immokalee High
• Brandon Carter, Manatee Middle
• Kristin Downs, Lely High
• Susan Ellard, Gulf Coast High
• Staci Fisher, Immokalee High
• Sabrina Kovacs, Lake Trafford Elementary
• John Krupp, Golden Gate High
• Veronica Mamone, Lake Park Elementary
• Kyle Manders, Palmetto Ridge High
• Kristin Merrill, Lake Park Elementary
• Joseph E. Merrill, Lake Park Elementary
• Dawn Peck Lorenzo, Walker High
• Lindsey Sebela, Golden Gate Middle
• Christina Svec, Mike Davis Elementary
• Aaron P. Thayer, Manatee Middle
• Marisa Vessella, Gulfview Middle
• Amity A. Wyss, Manatee Middle