By Kristen Levenick

Teachers have received apples from their students for generations, but the Upper Arlington Civic Association takes the tradition a step further.

The association established the Golden Apple Awards 30 years ago as a way of recognizing outstanding local educators. One teacher is chosen from each school in the Upper Arlington School District, as well as the three private schools in the city, to receive the award.

Award recipients are first nominated by students, parents of students, or faculty for notable teaching methods or personal qualities. Nominees are then reviewed by the association’s 24 directors, who vote to determine winners for each school.

“The teachers are always so appreciative of the award knowing that their students or fellow teachers have taken the time to nominate them,” says Gavin Howe, UACA president.

The awards, which are customarily distributed in early April, are delivered to the chosen teachers during school hours by UACA directors adorned with gold jackets.

“We surprise the teachers and students with the award,” Howe says. “Often the (parent-teacher organization) for the school will bring a cake for the class to share. The teachers are always caught off-guard when they see the UACA directors with their gold coats come into their classroom.”

Elizabeth Ingraham, a 29-year-old first grade teacher at Windermere Elementary School and Upper Arlington resident, received a Golden Apple Award in 2009 for her commitment to her students' emotional growth and social development.

“I have very high expectations for all my students; expectations I know they can attain if they work together, work hard and believe in one another,” Ingraham says. “In all my interactions with them, I communicate my trust in them as capable and kind children, and the lessons I plan each contain an element that will help them develop into the kind of people who will have a positive impact on the world around them. I think I was nominated because the parents recognized this and valued this part of their children's education.”

Ingraham recalls receiving her award during her class’s math lesson and that she was “a little dumbfounded and teary-eyed” while Debi Gaupp, the mother of a student she taught in first and second grade, gave a speech and presented her with a Golden Apple.
“The students listened very attentively, but they all had confused looks and blank stares and were trying to figure out what was going on,” says Ingraham of her students’ reactions. “They all cheered when it was announced that cookies would be served.”

Howe says little about the award has changed over the years, but does highlight one recent modification: Last year, a citywide award was added for a preschool teacher. All preschools within the UA city limits are eligible.

Howe says association members enjoy all the events they put on throughout the year, but the Golden Apple Awards are unique.

“We are honored to represent the citizens of Upper Arlington when presenting these awards and really enjoy letting the teachers of this community know how appreciative we are of their efforts in educating our children,” he says.

The award, while special for the directors to present, is equally significant to the educators of the school district.

“I am very grateful that UACA awards Golden Apples each year,” says Ingraham. “It is a chance for the community to show its appreciation for the excellent work being done in the schools, for teachers to see the appreciation of the community, and for those not affiliated with the schools to see the exceptional work being done with students each day.”

Ingraham adds that teachers are always learning themselves. Each child has different strengths and needs, as well as varying family situations and life experiences, and there isn’t simply one teaching method or approach that can cater to them all.

“Consequently, we are pretty hard on ourselves and rarely have or take the time to look at all we have accomplished,” she says. “For me, receiving the Golden Apple was a chance to recognize the ways I have helped the children in my class, and to see how appreciative Upper Arlington is of the work teachers do for the community.”

For more information about the Golden Apple Awards or the Upper Arlington Civic Association, visit www.uaca.org.  

Kristen Levenick is a contributing writer for Upper Arlington Magazine.