The University of West Alabama is proud to once again sponsor the Golden Apple Award, a program that recognizes outstanding educators in east Mississippi and west Alabama. As a leading institution for teacher preparation, UWA is deeply committed to education—not only by supporting teachers, but by helping shape and produce them.
“Education is truly transformative, and we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for everything our area educators do every day,” says UWA President, Dr. Todd G. Fritch. “It’s important to me, and to our university, to highlight and honor their contributions to changing students’ lives. The investment teachers make is critical to the future success of the children who pass through their classrooms.”
Over the past 13 years, more than 600 nominations have been submitted, celebrating excellence in teaching across the region.
Nominations for the Golden Apple Award may be submitted by students, parents, faculty, or community members, and are open to outstanding K-12 educators (public and private) in the following counties: Choctaw and Sumter counties in Alabama; Lauderdale, Neshoba, Kemper, Clarke, and Newton counties in Mississippi.
Past recipients from Alabama’s Choctaw and Sumter counties include Debra Mosley, Patti Christophe, Brandi Nix, and Pam Moody from Patrician Academy; Kristi Williamson of Sumter Academy; and Carla Egbert of the University Charter School.
Each month from September through April, one Golden Apple recipient is selected and honored with recognition, school supplies, and a cash award. At the end of the academic year, all monthly winners are celebrated at a special banquet in May. During this event, one of the eight educators is named Golden Apple Teacher of the Year, receiving an additional cash prize and an opportunity to award a scholarship to a graduating senior of their choice.
For more information or to submit a nomination, visit https://www.twinstates.news/golden_apple_award/