On April 16, Champions For Learning hosted the 28th Annual Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers Dinner at the Naples Grande Beach Resort. During this event the community honored and thanked the Golden Apple Recipients, Teachers of Distinction, and Collier County Public Schools Teachers of the Year. Champions For Learning invited each Collier County School to put forward an educator and best practice to be recognized as this year’s Teacher of Distinction, providing the opportunity for every school to be involved. The result was 57 teachers representing 55 of our schools. From this group of talented teachers, the Golden Apple Selection Committee chose five to further highlight their best practices. During the event, community members were treated to students introducing their teachers and teachers sharing their passion for the profession. Champions For Learning also honored Thomas Riley as the 2018 Heart of the Apple recipient. All Teachers of Distinction received a $250 award, and the Golden Apple recipients received an additional $500 award thanks to the Mary Ingram Fund of the Columbus Foundation. Each 2017-18 Golden Apple recipient receives a grant of up to $5,000 from Suncoast Credit Union to build on their best practices. “At Suncoast Credit Union, we believe that the stronger we make our teachers, the stronger our students will be. For this reason, we create opportunities for educators to share best practices and to grow professionally, “ said Cindy Helton executive director of the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. “The Golden Apple Awards enable us to recognized teachers whose dedication and practices stand above the rest. We hope that the grants will inspire them to continue investing in our students and to develop innovative practices.” The Suncoast Credit Union Foundation is funded through the credit union members’ use of their debit and credit cards. The Suncoast for Schools Rewards Debit Card and VISA Credit Card program automatically generates funds that are dedicated to education and health-related initiatives benefiting children in the local community. You can view videos highlighting the best practices of our Teachers of Distinction and Golden Apple recipients at ChampionsForLearning.org/Teachers