Celebrating Excellence
- Chad Oliver
- 13 hours ago
- 3 min read
Honoring the 2025–2026 Golden Apple Recipients
As the school year draws to a close, our community takes time to reflect on the educators who make a lasting difference in the lives of students. Great teaching is more than a job. It is a daily commitment to inspiring and guiding children toward their full potential.
As this edition arrives in homes throughout Naples, our community is once again celebrating the educators whose dedication and excellence elevate the teaching profession. This year’s Golden Apple Recognition Program shines brightly on six outstanding Collier County teachers, and I had the privilege of witnessing each surprise announcement in person.
Alongside Superintendent Dr. Leslie Ricciardelli, we joined Champions For Learning, Suncoast Credit Union representatives, selection committee volunteers, and school and district leaders as we stepped into classrooms across Collier County to deliver the news. The reactions were unforgettable. Students clapped, cheered, and beamed with pride as their teachers were honored. Being present for all six surprise visits gave me a firsthand look at the joy and gratitude that defines the Golden Apple tradition.
Left: Shanna Moss, Manatee Middle School | Middle: Elias Cuevas, Immokalee High School Right: Wende Malik, Vineyards Elementary School
The Golden Apple Recognition Program, created and led by Champions For Learning, continues to be one of the most meaningful community partnerships in Collier County. It provides an opportunity for students, parents, and community members to highlight exceptional teaching. This year, Champions For Learning returned to the tradition of community nominations, which resulted in more than 5,700 Thank‑A‑Teacher submissions for nearly 1,500 educators. From those nominations, 58 teachers were named Teachers of Distinction, representing every Collier County Public School.
These Teachers of Distinction shared their innovative classroom practices, high‑impact strategies, and student‑centered approaches with a volunteer selection committee. After thoughtful discussion and careful review, the committee identified six educators to receive this year’s prestigious Golden Apple.
2025–2026 Golden Apple Recipients:
Elias Cuevas, Immokalee High School
Connie Kinstler, Big Cypress Elementary School
Wende Malik, Vineyards Elementary School
Shanna Moss, Manatee Middle School
Julie Raymond, Osceola Elementary School
Stephanie Scalise, Veterans Memorial Elementary School
Each of these educators brings something extraordinary to their students. They use creative instructional techniques, build strong relationships, and foster learning environments where every student knows they are capable of success. During every surprise visit, students were eager to explain why their teacher deserved the award. Their comments were honest and heartfelt, and they captured the true meaning of the Golden Apple more powerfully than anything else could.
This year also brings a renewed sense of tradition to the program’s signature events. The 36th Annual Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers Dinner was held in April at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa. The evening returned to an elegant dinner format designed to shine a spotlight on educators and celebrate the entire 2025–2026 cohort of Teachers of Distinction and Golden Apple Recipients. The focus of the event is gratitude, recognition, and pride in those who elevate the teaching profession each day.
In addition, the Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers television program is returning in partnership with Hearst Television and Gulf Coast News. This special will air on Saturday, May 23 at 8 p.m. on Gulf Coast NBC. The broadcast offers families across the southwest Florida region an opportunity to learn more about the honorees, see inside their classrooms, and hear the stories behind their impactful work.
The Golden Apple program does more than recognize six educators. It uplifts the profession as a whole and reminds us that excellence in education is happening every day across all of Collier County Public Schools. As a community, we are stronger when we celebrate those who dedicate their lives to helping students grow.
To this year’s Golden Apple recipients, and to all of our Teachers of Distinction, congratulations and thank you. Your work inspires our entire community, and it is an honor to celebrate your success.
Photos Courtesy of Champions for Learning
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