Sherry Dailey Golden Apple
Recognizing Teaching Excellence
See the first 2012 Sherry Dailey Golden Apple Awards →
In 2012, the K-12 Foundation collaborated with David DePeal of Hair Productions, Havasu Fitness, and Shugrue’s Family Restaurants to establish the Golden Apple Award, aimed at recognizing and rewarding the dedication of educators within our local school district, LHUSD#1. Initially conceptualized by educator and K-12 Board member, Sherry Dailey, the award was later renamed in her honor following her passing.
The Sherry Dailey Golden Apple Award is presented monthly during the school year to an outstanding certified teacher who exhibits exceptional dedication and excellence in their profession. Recipients are selected by their peers within the school community. Since it’s inception, additional businesses have joined in supporting this initiative. Presently, State Farm Cinda Ross, Shugrue’s Family Restaurants, Anderson Auto Group, Small Cakes, College Street Brewery, Foothills Bank, Human Bean, Destination Havasu, Bliss Beauty and Steven’s Tacos contribute gifts to the recipient, who also receives a plaque from the K-12 Foundation in recognition of their achievement.
Click on the images to enlarge.
Congratulations Tony Mallinger for being the December 2024 recipient of the K-12 Foundation Sherry Dailey Golden Apple at the Lake Havasu High School!!
Tony Mallinger exemplifies selfless dedication and excellence through his unwavering commitment to his students and their growth. Not only does he successfully run the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) program, helping students develop critical leadership and business skills, but he is also launching a school store, providing students with valuable hands-on learning experiences in entrepreneurship. His passion for nurturing the next generation of leaders and his tireless efforts to create opportunities for his students make him a deserving candidate for the Golden Apple Award.
Tony has made such a difference to our students at LHHS.
He started the stock market challenge having a team qualify to travel to Washington DC.
He's a true professional--so hard working and dedicated to his students and his CTSO.
Tony models and expects professionalism and accountability every day.
Tony is not only a great teacher, but he is a great club advisor. He turns in paperwork in a timely manner, he communicates and goes above and beyond. He is a great co-worker!
Thank you, Tony, for all you do for LHHS and our students!
Today the K-12 Foundation was at Jamaica Elementary School to present the November 2024 Sherry Dailey Golden Apple Award to Kelsey Kendrick. Here are some of the comments from her peers:
Kelsey goes above and beyond in her classroom and for the school. She creates an environment that allows her students to work through challenging content, develop positive relationships, and meet individual needs. Kelsey is the first to take on leadership roles that are needed in the school to benefit all students.
Mrs. Kendrick is an exceptional teacher. She cares about her students and their success. She is passionate about making a difference in her students lives. She empowers and supports her fellow teachers and wants everyone around her to succeed.
She is a complete professional. She rises above and puts others before herself. She far surpasses her duty as a teacher and definitely as a colleague.
Kelsey goes above and beyond for her students as well as her colleagues. She is always looking for new and exciting ways to teach and engage her students. She comes to work with a positive attitude and smile on her face. She is a wonderful teacher, colleague, parent and friend!
Congratulations Kelsey!!
Today we have the honor to recognize the October 2024 recipient of the K-12 Foundation Sherry Dailey Golden Apple at Nautilus Elementary.
Congratulations Libby Carlton!!
Libby was chosen by her peers for this award and here are some of the comments they wrote:
Libby is a strong candidate for the Golden Apple Award due to her deep commitment to the well-being of students, staff, and families. Her kindness and compassion shine through in all her interactions with everyone, especially in her work addressing students' social-emotional needs.
She also fosters a positive school culture by organizing fun staff activities and get togethers by leading the Sunshine Committee.
Her dedication to education is evident through her weekly "Leader In Me" lessons for all students.
Libby consistently steps up to help with any tasks or brainstorm ideas that need attention at the school. Her willingness to go above and beyond makes her deserving of this recognition.
Libby is an amazing counselor! She goes above and beyond every day in order to help support each and every student and staff member she comes in contact with.
She is a bright shining light and makes our school a better place.
Congratulations Libby - you are a blessing to all!
The K-12 Foundation board members had the honor to recognize Christina Bonsang with the May 2024 Sherry Dailey Golden Apple Award.
Here are some of the wonderful things her peers wrote about Christina:
Christina is an extraordinary educator, embodies the highest ideals of the Golden Apple Award. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication to fostering a transformative learning environment for all students.
Christina is a pivotal part of Thunderbolt. She runs clubs, is a mentor and articulation lead. Through all that, she is an excellent co-worker. Willing to help and share anything you need or she has made. Wouldnt have made it without her help and support this year.
She is always working hard for Thunderbolt and is always giving of her time and her experience to all the students and staff without asking anything in return. She is also working to earn her National Board Certification as well to make herself a better teacher. She deserves this award!
Congratulations Christina Bonsang!!
To learn more about the K-12 Foundation or to make a donation go to www.k12foundation.org
The K-12 Foundation had the pleasure to announce the April 2024 Sherry Dailey Golden Apple recipient at Smoketree Elementary School today.
Congratulations to Ms. Jena Walls!!
Here are some of the nice things her peers shared:
Ms. Walls makes an effort to connect with all students, not just those currently in her class. She uses students' names when greeting them in the halls and is always welcoming to any student. Ms. Walls also contributes to many school wide programs because she is passionate about building a positive educational environment for all students. Ms. Walls is committed to students and Smoketree and shows that by how hard she works to maintain the welcoming community that Smoketree is known for.
She has gone above and beyond for her students and the school. Her passion for educating young minds has made a significant impact on her students and a source of inspiration and motivation to her colleagues
For her dedication to her students and helping new teachers. She is a part of the leadership committee and PBIS. She is part of a team that plans and executes PBIS assemblies that the students enjoy.
Jena demonstrates exceptional dedication by helping run PBIS meetings and assemblies for the school. She also has been challenged with a very tough class this year, but she is finding ways to make sure every student gets what they need and every day they continue to grow and learn.
Today we had the honor to recognize the March recipient of the K-12 Foundation Golden Apple at Oro Grande Classical Academy.
Congratulations Raigan McGuire!! 🍎👏🍀
You have been chosen by your peers and here are some of the comments they wrote:
Miss McGuire has become a strong asset to staff on campus in leading roles. She is in charge of Stucco, communicates spirit days to staff and helps with PTAC and Sunshine events. In addition, she is taking classes to get her master’s and would like to strive to be a principal in the future.
She goes above and beyond for our school every year! She continues to be an amazing 1st grade teacher and also serves our school and community.
Raigan is committed to her student's success. She shows this through expertly planned lessons that teach and re-teach concepts. She is also committed to the school community through fostering young leaders in Student Council. Raigan has coordinated several community events such as Hats for Humane Society, London Bridge Days parade, and Food Bank donations. Raigan is a large piece to the puzzle at our school, students and staff alike are lucky to know and work with her.
Miss McGuire is always working towards bettering herself and helping others find their true potential as educators. I feel honored to work alongside her at OGCA. She deserves to be recognized for her effort's every day. Her littles and families love her and that goes to show she is making a difference in young lives.
www.k12foundation.org
This month’s K-12 Foundation Golden Apple recipient for Starline Elementary goes to: Mr. Darren Huntting!
Darren is an exceptional human.
He goes above and beyond to give students music education and practice their skills.
He helps grade levels by incorporating songs from their curriculum into his classes.
Darren organizes and produces monthly concerts under the bridge making certain that every grade level has a night to showcase their learning.
He helps with the first grade winter performance, and he has brought life to performing arts on our campus with the clubs he is advising.
Darren has an abundance of experience, but he is always striving to learn and grow more.
He’s currently a National Board candidate and improving his practice daily through reflection.
Not only does Darren have a great and amazing voice, he instills his love of music on his students. The students have learned to sing, instead of shouting. I love hearing the students sing and perform. I love that he has nights under the bridge so students can perform for friends, family members and the community. It is a lovely way to bring everyone together to showcase the students and Mr. Huntting!
Mr. Huntting always goes above and beyond for students at Starline. He has created two after school clubs that students are excited to be a part of.
He is dedicated to his students, and his love of teaching music is evident in everything he does. ;-)
We are so lucky to have Mr. Huntting on our campus.
Congratulations!! 👏🍎🎼
The K-12 Foundation is excited to announce the January 2024 Golden Apple recipient - Sharon Neece.
Here are some of the great things her fellow peers shared about Sharon:
Sharon is a true expert in her practice. She has been extremely helpful with my transition to 4th grade. I am so grateful to have a teammate as amazing as she is!
She is so kind and goes out of her way to help her students and other teachers.
Sharon has dedicated her life to teaching the students in her class and has accomplished so much during her career as an educator. At the end of this year she will be leaving our Havasupai family and I just want her to know that she will TRUELY be missed!!!
Sharon is always looking out for the best interest of her students. She is willing to help students before school starts if they need a little extra help from her or at their lunch recess time. Communication with parents is a strong point for Sharon. Sharon also has been a great mentor to new teachers and substitute teachers for her grade level teachers.
Sharon was presented with a plaque and several gift certificates from our Community Sponsors who support the foundation. Cinda Ross from Alex Ross State Farm Insurance, Stephanie Martin from College Street Brewhouse, Tina Hayes from SmallCakes, Juls and Brian Baumkirchner from The Human Bean, Erik Stevens from Stevens Tacos, Shugrues family of restaurants, Destination Havasu and Bliss Beauty and Anderson Toyota.
Congratulations to the December K-12 Foundation Golden Apple Recipient Michelle Burke!
Here are some of the many quotes from her peers:
Michelle is a champion for CTE and LHHS students. She ensures students in her software and app design course are afforded every opportunity to succeed. She is an FBLA advisor as well as the Educational Tour Group co-advisor! Michelle is a great teacher and person to have at LHHS leading by example!
"Michelle is dedicated to her students. She is willing to let them teach her new lessons and strategies. She is a fantastic articulation lead for CTE. She respects all of us from various fields, She is through in presentations and has a great sense of humor. I can go to Michelle at anytime for content and meeting information. And she is an amazing hiker!"
Michelle goes above and beyond in all that she does. She is an excellent articulation lead--so thorough and forward-thinking! She keeps our CTE department on track with wonderful reminders and detailed agendas. She is a super-dedicated teacher as well--juggling 4 preps and also creating individualized learning pathways for her excelling students that need an accelerated curriculum. She keeps up with her instructional content by attending workshops and webinars to better herself for her students. LHHS students and staff are lucky to have her!
She goes above and beyond to ensure others are successful by sharing the tips and tricks that have worked in her vast knowledge. She has created a safe space and relationship that allows other teachers to ask questions and bounce ideas. Lastly, she truly cares. Really, truly, heartfelt, cares about people. People like me and my family.
Michelle goes above and beyond for her students and staff. She is trying to help them find their path and what they want to do in the future. She has 6-7 students involved in the internship program each semester. I can always reach out to her about a student and she will communicate with them and find ways to encourage them to use their resources in the Career Center.
She is so positive and always has such a great attitude! She is an amazing mentor and always steps up to help not only her colleagues, but also her students. She always has a smile on her face and she is so caring. She definitely envelops our district motto: Every student, every day, no matter what it takes!
She takes pride in her class and is continually learning the newest codes. Michelle is an asset to LHHS and she has LHHS pride!
Michelle is an amazing teacher. Michelle was not a current classroom teacher when she started teaching at the high school and had never taught high school students. She is standard / example of "every student, every day, no matter what". Michelle is an awesome human, teacher and leader.
Thank you Michelle for all that you do!!
The Sherry Dailey Golden Apple Award first began in 2012 and is awarded monthly during the school year to an exceptional certified teacher who demonstrates selfless dedication and excellence in their work. Each award recipient is chosen by the peers of their school.
The K-12 Foundation is joined by community members who share in the celebration. State Farm Cinda Ross, Shugrue’s Family of Restaurants, Anderson Auto Group, Small Cakes, College Street Brewery, Foothills Bank, Human Bean, Mission Bank, Steven’s Tacos, Destination Havasu and Bliss Beauty Bar provide gifts to the recipient as well as receiving a plaque from the K-12 Foundation in recognition of their achievement.
Here are a few comments about today’s recipient:
She is an amazing teacher. She is helpful, creative, motivated, kind, and considerate.
She is a leader and model teacher for her team and school colleagues.
She works hard, is willing to learn more to help herself as a teacher, and share new knowledge with others.
She is dedicated and genuinely helpful.
She is simply amazing. Her current and former students adore her. She has created an amazing program with her Theater Club that has collaborated with other schools including the High School. She is top notch.
Congratulations to Mrs. Vesely for being the November recipient !!
Congratulations Chelsea Anderson @ Nautilus Elementary School for being chosen as the K-12 Foundation's Sherry Daily Golden Apple recipient for October!
Here are some words from her coworkers:
Chelsea goes above and beyond. Not only is she a patient, loving, and nurturing 1st grade teacher, but she helps with after school tutoring, Kindness Club, leads our PBIS team, has volunteered to do the site 301 professional development presentations, and always steps in to help. She believes in teamwork and cares about doing what is best for kids (always). Chelsea is a leader and stands out as an incredible teacher here at Nautilus, we are lucky to have her.
I nominate Chelsea because she is committed to her students and their success. She supports her coworkers with tech support and does it with a smile on her face. She is always happy and a wonderful person to work with.
Chelsea cares deeply about students and their progress, as well as each child as a whole. She works tirelessly to make sure each child is being met at their level and engages families as well.
Please help us in congratulating the April 2023 K-12 Foundation Sherry Dailey Golden Apple recipient for Smoketree School – Sarah Shaw!!
Here are some of the wonderful comments from her peers and the reason why she was chosen:
Sarah’s dedication to the school and the students does not go unnoticed. She is always willing to help or step in when needed and can always be counted on. Solution focused and takes on duties as needed Has a positive attitude even when overwhelmed. Takes time to help other teachers no matter how busy and to show others that they are appreciated. Sarah lifts others up when they are having a hard time and goes above and beyond to support Smoketree staff and students.
She a model professional who is committed to building strong relationships with students and staff that contribute to high levels of student achievement.
Sarah utilizes communication, respect, consistency, and data to establish relationships and grow her focus area of reading intervention and the committees she is a part of.
Committees include tutoring EL, SIT, foreign language, and more. Students enjoy interacting with her. When interacting with students, students demonstrate respect and responsibility in a fun and engaging manner. She has also brought a week of festivities for Read across America Week for students and the community to engage in.
Presenting Sarah with her award are Cinda Ross from Alex Ross State Farm Insurance; Nina Mersing, Principal; Amy Sugamele, Monica Hall, Christie Olsen and Stephanie Martin with the K-12 Foundation Board and Jillian Usher with the LHC Museum of History.
Not picture but gifts of gratitude were presented on behalf of the following Community Sponsors; Shugrue's; Mission Bank; SmallCakes, Destination Havasu, College Street Brewhouse; The Human Bean and Steven's Tacos.
To help support the K-12 Foundation for LHUSD#1 go to www.k12foundation.org
The Sherry Dailey Golden Apple award for December was presented to teacher Nicole Gray from the Lake Havasu High School.
Here are a few comments her colleagues said:
She indefatigably helped me to adjust in new working environment and she makes teaching algebra 3 easier for making sure that we have organized and frequent communication within our group.
Nicole has been an absolute rockstar with the new curriculum! She has taken the time to become an expert so that she share her knowledge with her subject group. She has also taken all the math mentees under her wing, and is always willing to help prep materials for another math teacher when they have to be absent.
She's a real beacon of hope in our profession.
Pictured from left to right: Stephanie Martin, K-12 Board Member; Nicole Gray, recipient; Cinda Ross, Community Member, Alex Ross State Farm Ins; Amy Sugamele, K-12 Foundation Board Member.
The Sherry Dailey Golden Apple award for March was presented to teacher Nicole Brown from Oro Grande Elementary School.
Here are a few comments her colleagues said:
Nicole is an exceptional teacher who is always putting her students first. She is also passing along her love for math to our students by being a co-captain in our math club.
She is always supportive and ready to help others. Students, parents, and colleagues can go to Nicole for any type of needs they may have.
She is patient, kind, and helps her colleagues out in times of need. She is dedicated to her students and the school community.
She is a hard working teacher that is dedicated to her students.
Nicole has been a teacher for many years and she is a valuable part of our school. She is the one who many people go to for help and advice; she is very willing to assist and support in any way possible. She strives to do her best for her students and is often working behind the scenes, unnoticed, to maintain and achieve the goals that are set by both co-workers and students.
Congratulations Nicole on an award well deserved!
Pictured from left to right: Jana Stump, Monica Hall and Christie Olsen & Amy Sugamele; K-12 Foundation, Nicole Brown and Cinda Ross, Community Sponsor from Alex Ross State Farm Inc.
Congratulations to our very own - Jamie Hammer for being nominated by her peers for the Sherry Dailey Golden Apple Award recipient for November!
This award is presented monthly to an educator whose performance exhibits selfless dedication and excellence. The honoree is selected by his or her peers. The award is sponsored by the K-12 Foundation for the LHUSD #1 and our generous community sponsors:
Shugrue's Family of Restaurants, The Human Bean, Alex and Cinda Ross State Farm Insurance, Small Cakes, College Street Brewery, Foothills Bank, Desert Sun Homes, Mission Bank, The Anderson Group, Destination Havasu, Bliss Beauty and Stevens Tacos!
Here are some of the comments from Jamie's peers:
Mrs. Hammer is extremely dedicated to Jamaica.
She goes WAY above and beyond every single day and a lot of what she does goes unnoticed.
She is a champion for her students and will stop at nothing to give them exactly what they need.
She is a teacher leader on campus and strives to make Jamaica the best for students.
Mrs. Hammer is my go to, she inspires me to work hard for all students.
Mrs. Hammer is knowledgeable and is an advocate for our resource students. She mentors teachers and leads PD with passion for all teachers and students.
Pictured from left to right: Amy Sugamele and Jana Stump, K12 Foundation Board Members; Jennifer Black, Principal Jamaica Elementary; Jamie Hammer, recipient; Christie Olsen and Monica Hall, K12 Foundation Board Members; and Cinda Ross, Community Sponsor Alex Ross State Farm.
Thank you Jamie for all that you do and being the person you are!
To support the mission of the K-12 Foundation go to www.k12foundation.org
Thankful for our community sponsors - College Street Brewhouse, Smallcakes, Shugrue's, Bliss Beauty, Destination Havasu, Foothills Bank, Alex Ross State Farm Insurance, The Human Bean, Mission Bank, and Steven's Tacos who help us spoil the monthly K-12 Foundation Sherry Dailey Golden Apple recipient.
Hannah Towns is the Golden Apple recipient for Havasupai Elementary school for January.
"Hannah has a sweet soul, she is diligent, and a pleasure to work with. No matter what the obstacle might be Mrs. Towns is steadfast and optimistic that success is right around the corner.
We are ALL very excited to have Hannah on staff with us here at Havasupai Elementary School, her positive attitude lights up a room.
As a teacher new to the district last year, Hannah really stepped in and helped out in many different aspects of our school.
Hannah is always there to contribute ideas, and she is a team player.
Hannah is always striving to improve her teaching practice. In addition to all of her classroom responsibilities she is in the process of National Board Certification.
We are lucky to have Hannah at our school!"
Congratulations Hannah!!
Pictured from left to right: Amy Sugamele, K-12 Foundation Board Member; Cinda Ross, Alex Ross State Farm Ins.; Jana Stump and Jaime Festa-Daigle, Board Members, Hannah Towns, recipient; Christie Olsen and Monica Hall, K-12 Foundation.
The K-12 Foundation and our generous Community Partners presented Katheryn Deitch with the Sherry Dailey Golden Apple Award today at Starline Elementary School.
The recipient is chosen by their peers and here are what some of them wrote:
Katheryn goes above and beyond for the students and for our staff and always makes sure the team is set up for success. She ensures that everyone in school is on the same page, contributes, mentors, and is steadily becoming a leader on campus.
Katheryn takes on extra work and makes sure all of 6 grade is taken care of and goes above and beyond every day.
Congratulations Katheryn Deitch!! 🍎👏
Pictured from left to right: Jaime Festa-Daigle, Christie Olsen, Monica Hall, K-12 Foundation Board Members; Katheryn Deitch; Amy Sugamele, Shimali Premaertne, K-12 Foundation Board Members, and Community Partners: Juls Baumkirchner, The Human Bean; Cinda Ross, Alex Ross State Farm Ins.; Erik Stevens, Stevens Tacos. Other Community Sponsors not pictured: Shugrue's, Destination Havasu, SmallCakes, Bliss Beauty, College Street Brewhouse
For more information or to help support the K-12 Foundation please go to www.k12foundation.org
Today the K-12 Foundation celebrated the October Sherry Dailey Golden Apple recipient - Zo Powers!
This is what her peers shared:
Zo is kind, compassionate, and organized. She has the kindest, calm demeanor that is just what our students need. Zo works incredibly hard to support and serve not only our Special Education students, but ALL of our students. She is champion for students in our district and we are very fortunate to have her on our campus.
Mrs. Powers is always working hard to advocate for her students' needs; no matter what grade level she works with. She is always collaborating with her fellow teachers and other staff to ensure that those students are getting all the supports they need. She is a role model for Special Education in our district. Thank you for being amazing, Mrs. Powers.
Zo is dedicated to all students within the school. She is patient and provides assistance for all teachers.
CONGRATULATIONS!!
Pictured fro left to right: Shannon Williams, Principal; Amy Sugamele and Dr. Michael Rosen, K-12 Foundation Board Members; Zo Powers, Recipient; and Stephanie Martin, K-12 Foundation Board Member.
Congratulations to the 1st recipient of the 2022/2023 school year and being chosen for the Sherry Dailey Golden Apple Award recipient for September - Hannah Upton of Thunderbolt Middle School.
This award is presented monthly to an educator whose performance exhibits selfless dedication and excellence. The honoree is selected by his or her peers. The award is sponsored by the K-12 Foundation for the LHUSD #1 and our generous community sponsors:
Shugrue's Family of Restaurants, The Human Bean, Alex and Cinda Ross State Farm Insurance, Small Cakes, College Street Brewery, Foothills Bank, Desert Sun Homes, The Anderson Group, Destinations Havasu, Bliss Beauty and Stevens Tacos!
Here are some of the comments from Hannah's peers:
Hannah is very flexible and helps with anything that she can help with at Thunderbolt. She part of the PBIS committee and has made sure teachers understand the different components. She covers duties when needed and has help with covering classes on her prep when there wasn’t a teacher. Hannah has been friendly and helpful for new staff, veteran staff, and students.
Hannah has gone above and beyond for many years, taking on extra projects, teaching in-service to staff, helping others. She did a phenomenal amount of work to get our PBIS up and running, working after hours and over the summer, in order to have it ready for our roll-out on the first week of school. And, she is an impressive teacher!
Hannah continuously goes above and beyond to support students AND staff. She is in charge of the PBIS committee and has worked endlessly help our staff implement new procedures for discipline and positive behavior.
She works very hard for all students at thunderbolt. She is also willing to go above and beyond for her colleagues when help or further understanding is needed
She has been such a great person to seek guidance from and she goes above and beyond for her students, she is a teacher I strive to be.
Hannah came to me on the first day and asked how things were going and helped me with all my passwords that I thought I put in correctly and gave me a clarity. I so needed clarity at that point.
Pictured from left to right: Amy Sugamele and Monica Hall, K12 Foundation Board Members; Erik Stevens/Steven's Tacos, Community Member; Gordy Hall, Principal Thunderbolt Middle School; Hannah Upton, recipient; Stephanie Martin, Brooke Pope and Jana Stump, K12 Foundation Board Members.
Thank you Hannah for all that you do!
To support the mission of the K12 Foundation go to www.k12foundation.org
We are excited to announce the April 2022 Sherry Dailey Golden Apple recipient is Kellie Tefft from Smoketree Elementary School From the K-12 Foundation Board Members and the following Community Sponsors we congratulate you -Shugrue's Family of Restaurants, The Human Bean, Alex and Cinda Ross State Farm Insurance, Small Cakes, College Street Brewery, Foothills Bank, Desert Sun Homes, Destination Havasu, Bliss Beauty and Steven Tacos.
We would like to share what her peers who nominated Kellie had to say:
Kellie is consistently going out of her way for each and every one of her students. She is kind and builds a relationship with every student. She knows her students well, and does her best to always exceed their needs. She mentors others, has taken on several leadership roles for our school, and is an amazing teacher to her students.
Kellie has taken on leadership responsibilities at Smoketree, including, Summer School Coordinator and the Afterschool Tutoring Site Director. She has a passion for reaching all of her students, is a wonderful colleague and always ready to assist anyone in need.
Kellie has given so much of her passion, energy, and time to Smoketree students. She is always seen in her classroom well after the school bell rings and kids are out of school for the day. Kellie has taken on leadership roles with ease. She often has provided professional development to the Smoketree staff as well. Kellie has been very involved with our PBIS program for many years; she not only" talks the talk" but she is an excellent role model as she also "walks the walk." Kellie is often seen with a smile on her face and demonstrates a positive attitude to both staff and students. Kellie exemplifies high standards for teaching our students and is deserving of the Sherry Dailey Golden Apple Award.
Mrs. Tefft is an amazing educator. She currently teaches 4th grade at Smoketree Elementary School. I have had the pleasure of working with Mrs. Tefft for several years. This year we are working together to provide inclusion support to 4th graders. Mrs. Tefft has taken a leadership role in our new service model for special education. She has been a mentor to me as we developed our co-teaching model. Mrs. Tefft recognizes each child's individuality and is able to differentiate the general education curriculum in order to support student learning. Mrs. Tefft is a master at reaching those struggling students and providing them with a safe environment to learn as is demonstrated by the growth each student has made over the year. Mrs. Tefft's students love her because she purposefully addresses their needs and develops sincere relationships with each student. She is genuine and optimistic with students, their families and staff. Mrs. Tefft is an excellent educator that has had a positive impact on so many lives. Her ability to inspire and motivate students and her peers is recognized school wide. Mrs. Tefft is well deserved of the honor of the Golden Apple.
Pictured from left to right: Cinda Ross from Alex Ross State Farm Insurance; K-12 Foundation Board Members, Jaime Festa-Daigle Amy Sugamele and Monica Halll; recipient Kellie Tefft, Nina Mersing, Smoketree Elemenatry School Principal; K-12 Foundation Board Members, Shimali Premaratne, Christie Olsen and Stephanie Martin.
Congratulations to the Sherry Dailey Golden Apple Award recipient for March - Theresa Nigg from Starline Elementary School.
This award is presented monthly to an educator whose performance exhibits selfless dedication and excellence. The honoree is selected by his or her peers. The award is sponsored by the K-12 Foundation for the LHUSD#1 and our generous community sponsors:
Shugrues's Family of Restaurants, The Human Bean, Alex and Cinda Ross State Farm Insurance, Small Cakes, College Street Brewery, Foothills Bank, Desert Sun Homes, Destinations Havasu, Bliss Beauty and Stevens Tacos!
Here are some of the kind words from her peers:
Theresa Nigg is the most dedicated teacher I know. She works countless hours in her classroom and at home to improve the education of her students. She is a team player and is always willing to offer support to anyone in need. She is always very kind and patient. She always has a smile.
Pictured from left to right: K-12 Foundation Board Members: Jana Stump, Shimali Premaratne, Stephanie Martin, Theresa Nigg; Starline Elementary, additional K-12 Foundation Board Members: Monica Hall, Jaime Festa-Daigle, Christie Olsen and Amy Sugamele.
Today the K-12 Foundation Community Board Members and Community Sponsors were at Oro Grande Classical Academy to present Rebecca Rangel with this months Sherry Daley Golden Apple Award.
Here are the comments from her peers:
Mrs. Rangel is always trying new techniques and strategies to optimize her students' learning, and she seeks out ways to collaborate. She has been working tirelessly to create a culture of kindness at our school through her work with the Kindness Club, and she finds innovative ways to make learning fun and meaningful for her students.
Mrs. Rangel is always willing to go the extra mile for her students, her coworkers and anyone else she comes in contact with. She is kind, compassionate and an exceptional leader. Mrs. Rangel is clearly loved and admired by all her students.
Mrs. Rangel has take the lead as OGCA Kindness Club Advisor and the lead of OGCA PBIS team. Mrs. Rangel is the epitome of excellence in the classroom with in regards to culture, student engagement and execution of her lessons. She is a compassionate leader at OGCA.
**Pictured from left to right:
Jana Stump and Amy Sugamele: K-12 Foundation Board Members, Brian and Juliana Christensen Baumkirchner from The Human Bean, Monica Hall: K-12 Foundation Board Member, Rebecca Rangel, Christie Olsen, Jaime Festa-Daigle and Stephanie Martin: K-12 Foundation Board Members.
Sara Sanchez has been chosen for the Sherry Dailey Golden Apple award for the month of January 2022! The K-12 Foundation was at Nautilus Elementary to present Sara with her award and gifts.
Here are some of the kind statements made by her peers:
Sara advocates for her students everyday and works hard to get everything they need. She is a "Highly Effective" teacher. Miss Sanchez is a pleasure to work with and always has a smile on her face. She is kind and always willing to help anyone and everyone! She puts her kids first and is always looking for the best way to support them in what they need. Miss Sanchez is jovial, smart and happy, she brings joy to everyone she sees.Miss Sanchez has a wonderful spirit, she has a great rapport with her students and she is genuine.
Congratulations Sara and thank thank you for all that you do!
Pictured from left to right:
Cinda Ross, Alex Ross State Farm Ins. (Community Sponsor), Jaime Festa-Daigle and Amy Sugamele (K-12 Foundation Board Members), Sara Sanchez recipient/ Nautilus Elementary; Jana Stump, Monica Hall, Christie Olsen (K-12 Foundation Board Members; Brian and Juliana Christensen Baumkirchner, Human Bean (Community Sponsor).