Students in Chip Donahue’s third grade science and social studies classes don’t just study about the environment, they go out into the environment to experience nature first hand. This is just one of the many efforts Donahue makes each year to provide outstanding instruction to his students.
For these reasons and more, the Roanoke County Public Schools Education Foundation has awarded the 2012 Golden Apple Award to Chip Donahue. The Golden Apple Award is the highest education honor presented by the Education Foundation.
Each year, teachers from across Roanoke County Public Schools are nominated by students, parents, co-workers and administrators to receive the highest award presented to a teacher by the Education Foundation. This year, 135 teachers were nominated to receive the award – 26 teachers were named as semi-finalists.
In addition to the Golden Apple Award, the Education Foundation also named three Red Apple winners, one for the elementary school level, one for the middle school level and one for the high school level.
The Red Apple winners are:
Scott Price – special education teacher at Mountain View Elementary
Erica Rosser – 8th grade teacher at William Byrd Middle
Amy Bolen – Spanish teacher at Northside High and Middle
The Education Foundation also recognizes a new teacher who has taught in Roanoke County for three years or less. This is called the Green Apple Award.
The winner of the 2012 Green Apple Award is Vickie Frost, a kindergarten teacher at Burlington Elementary School.
“We are very proud of all the teachers at Roanoke County Public Schools,” said Education Foundation Chairman Lenora Downing. “The Golden Apple Award recognizes the best educator in Roanoke County Public Schools. We were extremely impressed with all our finalists. It was again very difficult to select a winner,” Downing said.
In addition to receiving a check for $3,000, Donahue received an additional award – the use of a brand-new 2012 Hyundai Sonata for one year, courtesy of First Team Auto Mall, with custom license plates that read GR8- TCR (Great Teacher).
"The education of our young people is so important, and nothing can be accomplished without our teachers. We want to show educators in the Roanoke Valley that their efforts are truly appreciated," said David Dillon, President and General Manager of First Team Auto Mall.
(Last updated 4/25/12)
CRITERIA
The award will be given to a teacher who has demonstrated accomplishments in the classroom and/or with individual student performance. Criteria is based on, but not limited to, effectiveness as a role model; making learning fun and exciting; mentoring students; and making an impact on students' lives.
