Golden Apple Foundation Names 20 Finalists for the 2026 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 2026 Golden Apple Teacher Awards. These talented 6th-12th grade teachers were chosen by a committee of community volunteers who had the challenging task of selecting only 20 from a large group of very worthy nominees.

Please join us in congratulating these excellent teachers:

Leyre Bilbao-Luri, Belvidere (Ill.) South Middle School, 8th grade Spanish Language Arts

John Deery, Belvidere (Ill.) High School, AP Language and World Mythology

Sean Donnelly, Belvidere (Ill.) High School, Sociology, World Studies, Career Planning

Nicole Frazer, Jefferson High School, Rockford, Government, Economics and Education

Joseph Free, Jefferson High School, Rockford, English

Dana Freedlund, Roscoe (Ill.) Middle School, 6th-8th grade English Language Arts

Christopher Galetsis, Auburn High School, Rockford, College Career, Global Studies, Social Problems

Hayley Gotzsche, Willowbrook Middle School, South Beloit, Choir and Theater

Michaelle Jaeger, Harlem Middle School, Loves Park, 6th grade Science

Gregory Johnson, Roosevelt Community Education Center, Rockford, 9th-12th grade Social Studies

Amy Kepner, East High School, Rockford, Global Studies, Career Readiness

Amy Kuo, Roscoe (Ill.) Middle School, 4th-8th grade English Language Arts

Justin Saichek, West Middle School, Rockford, 7th grade English Language Arts

Chelsea Spinello-Johnson, Marshall Middle School, Rockford, Library/Publications

Shawna Sterling, Harlem Middle School, Loves Park, 7th grade Science

Bryce Thomas, Guilford High School, Rockford, Global Studies and African American History

Katie Volk, Rockford (Ill.) Christian, 7th and 8th grade English Language Arts

Ana Weickert, Auburn High School, Rockford, CAPA Musical theater, Theater

Andrea Woldman, Belvidere (Ill.) North High School, English

Kelsey Zammuto, Hononegah Community High School, Rockton, Chemistry, Environmental Science

These teachers will be observed in their classrooms by trained community volunteers on three separate occasions between Jan. 20 and Feb. 18, 2026. 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 in March, 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 24, 2026. It is sponsored by Bergstrom Inc. and Collins Aerospace.

Golden Apple Foundation recognizes teachers and empowers them with classroom resources to improve educational outcomes in our community.