The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools is very pleased to announce our top 31 finalists in the Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program™ for 2014-2015. With more than 2,000 nominations received, of which 261 educators completed the application, The Foundation’s 12-member selection committee had the arduous task of narrowing down the top 31 teachers. We thank all the teachers who were nominated and who applied for this special distinction.
The finalists from Lehigh Acres schools are:
| Balan | Gregory | Varsity Lakes Middle |
| Ellis | Rita | Buckingham Exceptional Student Center |
| Gittens | Gwynetta | Lehigh Middle |
| Hester | Anne | Riverdale High |
| Lillard | Louis | Riverdale High |
| Myers Madoian | Kelly Jo | Riverdale High |
| Shaver | Joyce | Tortuga Preserve Elementary |
| Sowers | Milagros | East Lee County High |
| Start | Michelle | Lehigh Senior High |
| Toscano | Kerri | Gateway Elementary |
| Weatherford | Alice | The Alva School |
All finalists were surprised in their classrooms and notified of their exceptional ranking in the application process. These teachers will continue in the rigorous progression of selecting the top six who will be awarded the esteemed Golden Apple. These teachers will be observed in the classroom and interviewed by each member of the selection committee. The six Golden Apple Teachers for 2014-2015 will be honored at a black tie banquet at Harborside Event Center on April 10, 2015.
Twenty-eight years ago, the Golden Apple Recognition Program™ was created to enhance public education by recognizing and rewarding excellence in teaching. Each year begins with an invitation to students, parents, teachers, administrators and the general public to nominate any public school teacher employed by The School District of Lee County who is making an extraordinary contribution to our students. Since the program’s inception, the Foundation has awarded 158 educators with the prestigious “Golden Apple.”
The Program was conceptualized to try to achieve several specific goals:
• A clear focus on teachers as the most important element in a child’s learning and development
• Appreciation for the dedication and skills of teachers
• Enhanced respect and status for the teaching profession
• Community wide understanding of the importance of high quality education