Golden Apple Foundation Names 20 Finalists for the 2025 Golden Apple Awards
Golden Apple Foundation is pleased to announce the names of 20 Winnebago and Boone County teachers who will move forward in the selection process for the 2025 Golden Apple Teacher Awards. These talented PreK-5th grade teachers were chosen by a committee of community volunteers who had the difficult task of selecting only 20 from a large group of very worthy nominees.
Please join us in congratulating these excellent teachers:
Kalli Bruck, Caledonia (Ill.) Elementary School, Early Childhood Education
Brandi Costa, McIntosh Elementary School, Rockford, 3rd Grade
Betsy Dhom, Stone Creek School, Roscoe, Resource Teacher 2nd & 3rd Grades
Jelena Holcomb, STEAM Academy at Haskell, Rockford, Kindergarten
Kellie Kim, Cherry Valley Elementary School, Rockford, Special Education Resource Teacher 2nd & 5th Grades
Ryanne Ludington, Bloom Elementary School, Rockford, 4th Grade
Whitney Mohr, Rolling Green Elementary School, Rockford, Special Education
Amanda Nguyen, West View Elementary School, Rockford, Kindergarten
Alyssa Passmore, Keith School, Rockford, 2nd Grade
Chelsea Rawhoof, Pecatonica (Ill.) Elementary School, 2nd Grade
Allison Rhyner, Donald C. Parker Early Education Center, Machesney Park, Kindergarten Special Education
Belinda Roberts, Washington Academy, Belvidere, Bilingual Early Childhood Education
Shiana Robertson, Washington Elementary School, Rockford, 3rd Grade
Lisa Robinson, Rolling Green Elementary School, Rockford, Kindergarten
Nicole Seaver, Lincoln Elementary School, Belvidere, Special Education K-2nd Grade
Danielle Vanek, Willowbrook Middle School, South Beloit, 5th Grade English
Elizabeth Wecker, Kinnikinnick School, Roscoe, 4th & 5th Grade Math and ELA
Jackie Weerda, Ledgewood Elementary School, Roscoe, Kindergarten
Ashley Weidman, Ledgewood Elementary School, Roscoe, 1st Grade
Lisa Wight, Durand (Ill.) Elementary School, 5th Grade
These teachers will be observed in their classrooms by trained community volunteers on three separate occasions between Jan. 21 and Feb. 19, 2025. The next step in the selection process after observations is an interview. The process culminates with the selection of five teachers who will receive the prestigious Golden Apple Award in surprise classroom presentations also featured by WTVO/FOX 39 and the Rockford Register Star.
The Golden Apple Excellence in Education Banquet recognizing and honoring the Golden Apple Teachers will be held Friday, April 25, 2025. It is sponsored by Bergstrom Inc. and Collins Aerospace.
Golden Apple Foundation inspires, celebrates and supports excellence in education in our community.