Fort Myers, FL– The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools hosted its 39th Annual Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Banquet on Friday, April 24 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 70 Teachers of Distinction.
The 2026 Golden Apple Recipients are:
Quinn Schnabel – Diplomat Middle School
Elizabeth O’Connor – Ray V. Pottorf Elementary School
Joseph Giangreco – The Sanibel School
Darielle Callender – Franklin Park Elementary School
Alisa Brown – Diplomat Middle School
Cameron Brooks – Tice Elementary School
“Our 39th Annual Teacher Recognition Banquet Was another huge success in shining the light on the teaching profession. Our six Golden Apple Recipients are once again outstanding representatives of all the dedicated and professional teachers we have in the School District of Lee County.” says Marshall T. Bower, President & CEO of The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. “The Black-Tie event was attended by many business sponsors and partners who understand that the cornerstone of an economically strong community is an excellent public school system. The heart and soul of that system is our teachers! Aside from these six Golden Apple Teachers, the “stars” of the show were their students who introduced them! The heart-touching and funny introductions underscored why these teachers are so good at what they do.”
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 is grateful for the generosity of our 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 ProgramTM was the first major project founded and developed by The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc. Since its inception 39 years ago, as a way to enhance public education by recognizing and rewarding excellence in teaching, the Foundation has awarded 230 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.
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Media Contact:
Marshall T. Bower, Esq.
President and CEO
Tel. (239) 337-0433
Marshall@LeeSchoolFoundation.org