The Golden Apple Foundation Service Award was established in 2005 to provide thanks and recognition for volunteerism benefiting education through local schools. In 2013, the award was re-named the Jan Jones Service Award in memory of the late Jan Jones, who served the Foundation from 1998 – 2013. Jan taught in Rockford Public Schools for 34 years, then worked in administration. She was an adjunct instructor at Rockford College, helped found Rockford Promise, helped form Rockford’s Early Childhood Education Program, worked with Alignment Rockford, mentored teachers, and consulted on grants, special education programs and more. The Foundation continues to treasure Jan, her husband Wayne, and their daughters, and all their contributions to education and to Golden Apple. We know the recipients of the award from 2013-2026 are honored to have received the award in her name.

About the Award

In 2027, we will be honoring another major supporter, Rich Toppe, who passed away at the end of 2024. Rich, a member of the Golden Apple Class of 2008, was an influential teacher in Rockford for 30 years, and upon retirement, was an incredibly vital Golden Apple volunteer and cheerleader. He received the Jan Jones Service Award in 2024, at which time, past executive director Kristina Reuber said, “Jan Jones introduced me to the role of executive director. Rich Toppe ensured I had good company when I got there … I felt confident I had capable help from some who were there for no other reason than they wanted to see me and the organization succeed.” Fellow past director Lori Berkes-Nelson added, “Rich lived his life, professionally and personally embodying the spirit of Jan Jones’ life motto, ‘Dream, Believe, Dare, Do.’”

The 2027 Golden Apple Foundation Rich Toppe Service Award will be presented to an individual, couple, organization, or business for demonstrating a deep commitment to Excellence in Education in Winnebago and/or Boone County through volunteerism. The nominees will be considered based on this criteria:

  • Recipient will be considered for volunteer work in fields relating to education or additional fields that serve teachers, students and schools.
  • Recipient will have exhibited a deep commitment to excellence in education in Winnebago and/or Boone county.

Nominations must be received by Wednesday, March 10, 2027. The Rich Toppe Service Award Recipient will be recognized at the Excellence in Education Banquet held April 23, 2027. Contact Jennifer Stark at jennifer@goldenappleofrockford.com or 779-210-2991 with questions.
Nomination Form

Jan Jones Service Award Recipients

Jan Jones Service Award Past Recipients

Recipients of the Jan Jones Service Award date back to 2005. View the recipient archive here >