Golden Apple Day 2025 surprised six area teachers

On March 6, a slew of community-minded, education supporters got together and traveled throughout Winnebago County to surprise six teachers in their classrooms, bringing Golden Apples as they went. These six educators were surprised to see their classrooms continue to fill as Golden Apple staff, board members, Teacher Academy members, school board members, fellow teachers, family and friends filed in to applaud them, many bringing flowers and posters, too. It’s a magical day for everyone! We are pleased to announce that from more than 1,450 nominations narrowed to 20 finalists, Golden Apple selected these six individuals this year to join the Teacher Academy as the Class of 2025 Golden Apple teacher award recipients:

Jelena Holcomb, a Kindergarten teacher at STEAM Academy at Haskell in Rockford

Kellie Kim, a special education resource teacher for 2nd and 5th grades at Cherry Valley Elementary in Rockford

Alyssa Passmore, a 2nd grade teacher at Keith School in Rockford

Allison Rhyner, a special education Kindergarten teacher at Donald C. Parker Early Education Center in Machesney Park

Lisa Robinson, a Kindergarten teacher at Rolling Green Elementary in Rockford

Jackie Weerda, a Kindergarten teacher at Ledgewood Elementary in Roscoe

We will continue to celebrate these six teachers at our banquet April 25 at Tebala Event Center, along with the other finalists. They will be inducted into the Teacher Academy in a ceremony at a later date.