NEWS RELEASE
(ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Virginia)—Each year, exceptional teachers from Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS), Charlottesville City Schools (CCS), and local independent schools are recognized for their dedication to students, their craft, and their communities. The Golden Apple Awards highlight 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.
“Each year, I so look forward to celebrating the hard work and dedication of our teachers,” said Richard Nunley, former president of Better Living Building Supply and Cabinetry. “They take on the crucial role of guiding our future leaders, scientists, artists, and more, and it is the least we can do to thank them for that.”
Sponsored by Better Living Building Supply and Cabinetry for more than two decades, the Golden Apple Awards celebrate educational excellence by honoring the passion and dedication of teachers. Each recipient receives a $500 classroom grant from Better Living as part of the recognition.
The 2024-25 Golden Apple Award recipients will be honored at a community celebration on May 14, 2025, in Lane Auditorium at the County Office Building located at 401 McIntire Road, Charlottesville. The event will begin with a reception at 5 p.m., followed by a recognition ceremony.
The evening will once again be led by Golden Apple Selection Committee Chair, Steve Koleszar, a former Albemarle County School Board member who spent more than 20 years advocating for public education. Koleszar took over committee leadership in 2023, following the retirement of founding chair Dr. Kevin Castner.
“Educating our children is the most important thing we do. In reviewing the nominations, I see the great work our teachers and staff are doing to transform lives,” Mr. Koleszar said.
This year’s selection committee includes Steve Koleszar (Chair), Jonno Alcaro (Retired ACPS School Board Member), Lisa Utz (CCS Representative), Amber Wilkins (Blue Ridge School Dean of Faculty), and Gwedette Crummie (ACPS Representative).
The Golden Apple Awards continue to be a powerful way for the community to say thank you to teachers who make a lasting difference every day.
The 2024-25 Golden Apple Winners include:
Albemarle County Public Schools
- Colette Aylor, Agnor Elementary School
- Stu Poindexter, Albemarle High School
- Ryann Galganowicz, Baker-Butler Elementary School
- Kirsten Logan, Broadus Wood Elementary School
- Rachel Sapino, Brownsville Elementary School
- Crystal Randall, Burley Middle School
- Amanda Blevins, Center I
- Lizzie Stallings, Community Lab School
- Jenna Hall, Crozet Elementary School
- Ashley Hoffar, Greer Elementary School
- Mary McLachlan, Henley Middle School
- Susan Peck, Hollymead Elementary School
- Rachel Montgomery, Ivy Elementary School
- Ann Clark, Journey Middle School
- Jeffrey Matriccino, Lakeside Middle School
- April Wilkerson, Monticello High School
- Kimberly Wilson, Mountain View Elementary School
- Mendy St. Ours, Murray Elementary School
- Cecilia Schultz, Newcomer Learning Community
- Margaret Page, Red Hill Elementary School
- Leanna Dalton, Scottsville Elementary School
- Tyler Croson, Stone-Robinson Elementary School
- Addison Holmes, Stony Point Elementary School
- Eric Painter, Walton Middle School
- Jordan Dudley, Western Albemarle High School
- Tam Lovelace, Woodbrook Elementary School
Charlottesville City Schools
- Madison Eure, Buford Middle School
- Jessica Scott, Burnley-Moran Elementary School
- Karen Brown, CATEC
- Emily Waters, Charlottesville High School
- Susan Mahone, Greenbrier Elementary School
- Mary Yowell, Hospital Education
- Derek Hartline, Jackson-Via Elementary School
- Becca Covington, Johnson Elementary School
- Heather Rose, Lugo-McGinness Academy
- Ariel Bruner, Summit Elementary School
- Ladi Smith, Trailblazer Elementary School
- Laura Lindemann, Walker Upper Elementary School
Virginia Association of Independent Schools
- Brian Blaine, Blue Ridge School
- Jackie Draper, Charlottesville Catholic School
- Al Hanson, Miller School of Albemarle
- George Logan, Mountaintop Montessori School
- Sara Hampton, St. Anne’s-Belfield School
- Melissa Winder, Tandem Friends School
- Brogan McCutcheon, The Covenant School
CONTACT: Lauren Hunt, Communications Coordinator
PHONE: 434-987-8442