2024 Golden Apple Awards have been handed out, we look forward to awarding more deserving winners in 2025!
The winner of the Golden Apple at each school is decided by YOU!
Whether your nominee is an outstanding teacher, administrator, nurse, custodian, secretary, aide, paraprofessional, counselor, resource officer etc… they ALL make a difference in the lives of our children! Upper Arlington schools are a huge part of what make this community an amazing place to live, let’s say thank you to those who shape the lives of our youth!
Since 1981, the Golden Apple Awards have rewarded the fantastic faculty and staff members of our schools (40 years of celebrating excellence)! Since 1996, they have been presented at all of the public and private schools located within Upper Arlington based on nominations made by students, parents and peers. Nominations are reviewed by the UACA Directors and the “Golden Apple” recipient is selected for each school. This Spring, a personal presentation will be made for each recipient and they will receive a plaque from the UACA, the opportunity to ride on the Golden Apple float in the 4th of July parade, and public recognition among the community. Make a difference by nominating someone who made a difference in your child's life!
Click here to see a list of prior Golden Apple recipients.
Contact our event directors with questions by clicking here.
Download the….
2024 UACA Golden Apple Award Flyer
2024 Golden Apple nominations were open from January 5th until March 1st
When:
•2024 Nomination window OPENS January 5th
•2024 Nomination window CLOSED March 1st
How:
•Submit a nomination above
Who:
Nominations will open for ANY Faculty or Staff at the following schools:
•Preschools (1 total award for all of the Preschools): BEARS, Burbank, Covenant Presbyterian, Kare-A-Lot, Kiwi’s Clubhouse, Holy Trinity, Mountview Christian, Riverside United Methodist, St. Andrew, and Upper Arlington Lutheran
•Elementary Schools (1 award each): Barrington, Greensview, Tremont, Wickliffe, and Windermere
•Middle Schools (1 award each): Hastings and Jones
•High Schools (1 award each): Upper Arlington High School
•Private Schools (1 award each): St. Agatha, St. Andrew and Wellington
- District Award (1 award): Any district employee is eligible
Some of what has been said about our wonderful faculty and staff over the years….
“He makes learning fun! He related to Middle School kids in a positive and effective way that motivates them to participate and dig deeper. He has energy that infiltrates throughout the classroom and his excitement for learning is contagious. He is willing to try new things to get the kids involved and invested in their learning.”
“She is kind, patient and encouraging, and it is clear that her students feel cared for and valued. She makes learning interesting and challenges her students while also ensuring that they feel supported. She helps them build confidence and self-esteem and creates a strong sense of community among her students”
“He is the definition of a dedicated and focused teacher and coach. He is completely engaged with every student in his class. Boy or Girl, athlete or not. His focus on shaping each student as a citizen of school as well as a good student is inspiring to say the least.”
“She is the epitome of what a great teacher would look like. She certainly is to us because she went the extra mile. More importantly, she gave our child the tools to successfully advocate for herself. Her actions may not seem like much, but she has truly changed our child's life forever.”
“She is a remarkable teacher with so much patience for a room full of three year olds. During field trips you can see the pride in the students faces when they point out to her something she taught them, and then you see the pride she has in them.”
2024 Recipients:
Barrington: Mary Weasel (Paraprofessional)
District: Steve Gdovin (Explorations Team)
Greensview: Ron Hanninen (Bus Driver)
Jones: Officer Travis Goodman
Hastings: Joe Slover (Custodian)
Preschool: Chelsea Gerth (St. Agatha)
St. Agatha: Erin Adams
St. Andrew: Katie Capello
Tremont: Kathy Rekstis (4th Grade)
Wellington: Christine Conkle
Wickliffe: Kathie Zelnik (Music)
Windermere: Lauren Grozenski (Kindergarten)
UA High School: Mikayla McVey (Social Studies)