The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Announces the 37th Annual Golden Apple Recognition Program Award Finalists

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

– (EON: Enhanced Online News) – Gain

The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Announces the 37th Annual Golden Apple Recognition Program Award Finalists

FORT MYERS, Fla (January 31, 2024) – The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools is pleased to announce the 37^th Annual Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program Finalists. The Foundation’s Golden Apple Selection Committee, made up of community and business leaders, were charged with the arduous task of reviewing and ranking applications to select thirty finalists. Finalists were surprised in their classrooms surrounded by students, administrators, and fellow educators.

“All of these exemplary professionals represent the outstanding teachers who work, day in and day out, to make sure our community’s greatest asset, our students, achieve at their highest potential. Our community is indebted to them.” – Marshall T. Bower, President & CEO of The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools

2024 Annual Golden Apple Award Finalists:

Melissa Bailey, 9^th-12^th Grade Digital Design, Bonita Springs High, Principal Jeffrey Estes

Christine Bartz, Kindergarten, Pine Island Elementary, Principal Dr. Michael Galbreath

Janet Bernard, 8^th Grade Algebra, Harns Marsh Middle, Principal Alex Dworzanski

Dr. Katherine Callard, 2^nd Grade, Dr. Carrie D. Robinson Littleton Elementary, Principal Monica Broughton

Alexis Camputaro, 6^th-8^th Grade English Language Arts, The Sanibel School, Principal Jennifer Lusk

Chelsea Chase, Kindergarten, Bayshore Elementary, Principal Benjamin Ausman

Paul Chilson, 5^th Grade Reading, Writing & Social Studies, Pinewoods Elementary, Principal Akiya Maston

Suzanne Garrett, 6^th-7^th Grade US History, Civics and Peer Collaborative Teacher, Veterans Park Academy for the Arts, Principal Edwin Carter

John Gibson, Pre-K, Bonita Springs Elementary, Principal Robert Cooper

Valerie Goyette, 5^th Grade Math & Science, G. Weaver Hipps Elementary, Principal Deborah Nauss

Jaime Hill, 6^th Grade English Language Arts, Oak Hammock Middle, Principal David Howdyshell

Elizabeth Jimerson, K-4^th, Exceptional Student Education (ESE), Patriot Elementary, Principal Elizabeth Feliciano

Allison Kerner, 6^th Grade English Language Arts, Harns Marsh Middle, Principal Alex Dworzanski

Sara Kizzire, 9^th Grade Biology, Lehigh Senior High, Principal Darya Grote

Jill Klausing, 12^th Grade, Intensive Reading, Dunbar High, Principal Carl Burnside

Janelle Laux, 9^th-12^th Theatre, North Fort Myers High, Principal Deborah Diggs

Jessica Lisi, 4^th Grade, English Language Arts & Social Studies, Tanglewood Elementary, Principal Linda Buckley

Bianca McGinley, 7^th Grade Accelerated Math, Harns Marsh Middle, Principal Alex Dworzanski

Barry Miller, 6^th Grade US History, Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle, Principal Dr. Karen Prentice

Jamie Miller, 7^th Grade Civics, Harns Marsh Middle, Principal Alex Dworzanski

Meredith Molseed, 6^th-8^th Grade Dance Education, Harns Marsh Middle, Principal Alex Dworzanski

Tiffany Moore, Kindergarten, Caloosa Elementary, Principal Ashley LaMar

Christopher Morales, 9^th-12^th General Biology, Fort Myers High, Principal Christian Engelhart

Leanne Olmstead, 10-12^th English, Ida S. Baker High, Principal Jami Covert

Jennie Rimes, 9^th-12^th Grade Chorus, Gateway High, Principal Neketa Watson

Krista Rivera, 5^th Grade English Language Arts & Social Studies, Gulf Elementary, Principal Kimberly Verblaauw

Michelle Smith, 12^th Grade and deferred students up to age 22, Lehigh Senior High, Principal Darya Grote

Maria Stone, 2^nd Grade and Intervention Support Specialist, Harns Marsh Elementary, Principal Cynthia Hernandez

Sarah Thornburg, 9^th-12^th Grade Dance, Cypress Lake High, Principal Angela Roles

Christine Zwaan, 5^th Grade English Language Arts, Skyline Elementary, Principal Laura Trombetti

Finalists are personally interviewed and observed in their classrooms by the Golden Apple selection committee, and six teachers are selected as the Golden Apple Award Recipients. The Recipients are honored at the Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Banquet, a black-tie affair being held at Caloosa Sound Convention Center & Amphitheater on Friday, April 19, 2024.

Photo taken by Leonard’s Photography. Pictured are Finalists, Foundation Board Members, School District of Lee County School Board Members, Principals and Major Sponsors.

The Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program^TM was the first major project founded and developed by The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. Since its inception thirty-seven years ago, to enhance public education by recognizing and rewarding excellence in teaching, the Foundation has awarded 207 educators with the prestigious Golden Apple Teacher Award.

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. The Foundation is rated as a 4-star Platinum nonprofit organization by GuideStar. Find us online at www.leeschoolfoundation.org, on Twitter @FoundationLCPS, and Facebook.

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Contact:

Marshall T. Bower

President & CEO

239.337.0433