FORT MYERS, FL – Thirty finalists in the Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program™ were honored at a special breakfast hosted by The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools and McDonald’s on Thursday, February 12, 2026. This annual event brings together local business and community leaders, Lee County School Board members, and the Superintendent, to recognize the outstanding educators selected as this year’s Golden Apple Finalists. As part of the celebration, the finalists’ photos will be featured on McDonald’s tray liners in local restaurants for several weeks leading up to the Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Banquet on Friday, April 24, 2026.
Local McDonald’s owners and operators hosted the breakfast and unveiled the new tray liners showcasing the 2026 finalists. The event provided an opportunity for the honored teachers to enjoy breakfast while connecting with community partners, sponsors, and fellow finalists who share a commitment to educational excellence.
“This annual event honoring teachers and sponsored by McDonald’s is always a wonderful way to shine a light on the teaching profession,” said Marshall T. Bower, President & CEO of The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. “Area businesses like McDonald’s understand the integral role our teachers play in educating our local workforce and preparing students for a successful future. The unveiling of the tray liners featuring the Golden Apple finalists is always fun. For the next several months, when you eat at McDonald’s, you’ll also see the bright, shining faces of the outstanding teachers who are working with our community’s greatest asset — our students!”
Major sponsors of the 2026 Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program™ include Chico’s FAS,Inc.,FineMark National Bank & Trust, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Lee Health, McDonald’s, GulfCoast NBC, Owen-Ames-Kimball Co., The News-Press, Suffolk Construction, Suncoast Credit Union, and Waste Pro.
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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.
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Contact:
Marshall T. Bower, Esq.
President & CEO
Ph.: 239.337.0433 Email: Marshall@LeeSchoolFoundation.org