FORT MYERS, FL — The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools proudly hosted its 39th Annual Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Formal Announcement Event, celebrating the 30 finalists for the 2026 Golden Apple Award, one of Lee County’s most prestigious honors for educators.
The formal announcement event brought together community leaders, education partners, and supporters to recognize outstanding teachers who make a lasting impact on students and schools across the district. Attendees included School Board members, Foundation Board members, the Superintendent, valued sponsors, and members of the local business community, along with the Golden Apple finalists.
2026 Golden Apple Finalists
Jessica Alimonti, Diplomat Middle
Jeffrey Armsworth, Lexington Middle
Jonathan Barr, Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle
Michael Benfer, Dunbar High
Cameron Brooks, Tice Elementary
Alisa Brown, Diplomat Middle
Darielle Callender, Franklin Park Elementary
Ingrid Echeverria, North Fort Myers High
Laurie Faye, South Fort Myers High
Wendy Fiore, Cypress Lake Middle
Lisa Flannery, Lee Virtual School
Steven Gainey, East Lee County High
Brittany Gardiner, Oak Hammock Middle
Joseph Giangreco, The Sanibel School
Cheyenne Grant, Sunshine Elementary
Catherine Griffin, Dunbar High
Anne Hester, East Lee County High
Stephanie Liljegren, River Hall Elementary
Christina Marco, River Hall Elementary
Catherine Mattison, East Lee County High
Elizabeth O’Connor, Ray V. Pottorf Elementary
Megan Price, James Stephens Elementary
Rhonda Rainer, Caloosa Elementary
Arial Raulerson, Lehigh Senior High
Krista Rivera, Gulf Elementary
Christian Saravia, Harns Marsh Middle
Quinn Schnabel, Diplomat Middle
Laurie Smiley, Dunbar High
Gabriel Waldinger, Three Oaks Middle
Michaela Zawisza, Trafalgar Elementary
“This is the start of our season for celebrating the profession of teaching, and once again we have a superb group who represent all of the outstanding teachers in our school district,” said Marshall T. Bower, President & CEO of The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. “A great public school system is necessary for a thriving community, and teachers are the heart and soul of our school district.”
Guests enjoyed an evening of networking and celebration, complete with food and beverages , while honoring the finalists’ achievements and contributions to education.
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 24, 2026.
The Foundation extends its sincere thanks to its sponsors, partners, and supporters whose generosity makes the Golden Apple Awards possible year after year.
The Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program™ was the first major project founded and developed by The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. Since its inception thirty-eight years ago, to enhance public education by recognizing and rewarding excellence in teaching, the Foundation has awarded 213 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. 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