2025-26 Golden Apple Award Winners Announced

By Albemarle County Public Schools

ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. — After reviewing more than 1,000 nominations, the Golden Apple Selection Committee has announced the 2025-26 Golden Apple Award recipients.

Each year, Better Living Building Supply and Cabinetry partners with Albemarle County Public Schools, Charlottesville City Schools and local independent schools that belong to the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) to honor one teacher from each school with a Golden Apple Award. Each awardee also receives a $500 grant for their classroom, sponsored by Better Living Building Supply and Cabinetry.

For more than two decades, the Golden Apple Awards have celebrated educators who spark curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and go above and beyond to support student growth and success both in and out of the classroom. Nominated by members of their school communities, these teachers are selected for their ability to inspire a love of learning, set high expectations, respond to individual student needs, and foster meaningful connections with families.

“It is so inspiring to see a new class of teachers who have instilled a joy and passion for learning in their students,” Richard Nunley, former president of Better Living Building Supply and Cabinetry, said. 

The 2025-26 Golden Apple Award recipients will be honored at a community celebration on April 29, 2026, in Lane Auditorium at the County Office Building, 401 McIntire Road in Charlottesville. The event will begin with a reception at 5 p.m., followed by a recognition ceremony.

The evening will be led by Golden Apple Selection Committee Chair Amber Wilkins, assistant head of school for instructional programs at Blue Ridge School.

“Every day, our educators help shape the future of our community,” Wilkins said. “Taking time to recognize their hard work and commitment is one small way we can show our gratitude.”

2025-26 Golden Apple Award winners include:

Albemarle County Public Schools

• Megan Mlinarchik-Gutierrez, Agnor Elementary School
• Josh Mound, Albemarle Career Exploration Academy – Seminole Place Campus
• Amanda Davis, Albemarle High School
• Crystal Soucy, Baker-Butler Elementary School
• Jenna Reilly, Broadus Wood Elementary School
• Erica McLaughlin, Brownsville Elementary School
• Hannah Huggins, Burley Middle School
• John Worozbyt, Community Lab School
• Mara Check, Crozet Elementary School
• Megan Greenwood, Greer Elementary School
• Rod Vaughn, Henley Middle School
• Marla Grubb, Hollymead Elementary School
• Joseph Hicks, Ivy Elementary School
• Brennan Trick, Journey Middle School
• Kate Syms, Lakeside Middle School
• Marco Escobar, Monticello High School
• Mary Morales, Mountain View Elementary School
• Heather Solga, Murray Elementary School
• Beth Gehle, Newcomer Learning Community
• Brittany Kaufman, Red Hill Elementary School
• Collette Bahn, Scottsville Elementary School
• Elizabeth Shifflett, Stone-Robinson Elementary School
• Lisa Fraizer, Stony Point Elementary School
• Emily Tomko, Trailhead Learning Community
• Alicia Stickler, Walton Middle School
• Dawn Tinder, Western Albemarle High School
• Mira Weaver, Woodbrook Elementary School

Charlottesville City Schools

• Bruce Van Dyke, Charlottesville Area Technical Education Center
• Justin Newberry, Charlottesville High School
• Orawan Townsley, Charlottesville Middle School
• Amy Jones, Greenbrier Elementary School
• Audrey Athay-Barnes, Hospital Education
• Colleen Bourgal, Jackson-Via Elementary School
• Nick Liles, Lugo-McGinness Academy
• Katherine Plunkett, Summit Elementary School
• Catherine Meaney, Sunrise Elementary School
• Kristi Hartwell, Tall Oaks Elementary School
• Alison Mutarelli, Trailblazer Elementary School
• Coby Whitaker, Walker Upper Elementary School

VAIS Schools

• Brian MacDonald, Blue Ridge School
• Robyn Mauney, Charlottesville Catholic School
• Christine Zito, Miller School of Albemarle
• Karla Gonzalez, Mountaintop Montessori
• Colleen Zierk, St. Anne’s-Belfield School
• Mark Goldstein, Tandem Friends School
• Lauren Estes, The Covenant School