39th Annual Golden Apple Awards Run of Show
Script Show Notes
Program Countdown Begins
Sue Scott:
5:55 p.m.
The program begins in five minutes. Please start making your way to your seats.
6 p.m.
(Sue Scott takes place at podium).
Program Begins
Sue Scott:
(Wait for audience to settle and then begin.)
Good evening.
There are certain professions we tend to talk about in broad terms medicine, law, business. Teaching isn’t one of them. Teaching is specific. It happens in rooms. It happens in moments. It happens between one adult and one student at a time.
Tonight is about those moments.
Welcome to the 39th Annual Golden Apple Awards, presented by Raeco Realty. I’m Sue Scott, and it’s a privilege to be with you here at the Greater Lafayette Career Academy along with those joining us virtually to recognize five teachers whose work shapes Tippecanoe County in ways we may never fully measure.
Since 1987, Greater Lafayette Commerce has been doing exactly that, annually identifying outstanding teachers in our community. We show up at their schools, unannounced and
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surprise them, in front of their students, colleagues and families, with a $1,000 check.
Tonight, we add five more names to a list of 190 teachers who have been recognized over the past 39 years.
Now, to kick off tonight’s ceremony, please join me in welcoming Mikel Berger, GLC’s president and CEO.
Greater Lafayette Commerce Remarks
Mikel:
Thank you, Sue. And thank you all for being here.
Communities reveal what they value not just in what they fund, but in what they celebrate. Tonight, we celebrate teaching.
This year, 70 educators were nominated by students, parents, colleagues and administrators. That number reflects how many people took the time to say: this person changed something for me.
To be eligible, nominees must be actively teaching in Tippecanoe County, fully licensed in Indiana and serving in the classroom — not in administration. What we honor tonight is the daily practice of teaching: the planning, the grading, the conversations, the patience.
Before we continue, I’d like to ask any previous Golden Apple recipients in attendance to please stand.
(Hold for applause.)
Your work built this tradition.
And none of this would be possible without our sponsors especially our presenting sponsor, Raeco Realty along with our:
• Gold Sponsors: Old National Bank and Purdue University College of Education
• Our Silver Sponsors: SDI Innovations, Huth Thompson, Ivy Tech Community College, Carr Workplaces and Primient.
• And finally, our Bronze Sponsors: Evonik, Indiana University Health Arnett and Stuart & Branigin Lawyers.
To our public officials joining us, thank you for taking the time to be here. We’re grateful to recognize:
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And to this year’s honorees: we see the long hours. We see the preparation. We see the belief you extend to students sometimes before they extend it to themselves.
Let’s begin.
Award Presentation to Ann Hammons
Sue Scott:
Here to present our first Golden Apple Award is Josh Shives with Raeco Realty, our presenting sponsor.
Josh Shives:
There are teachers who cover material, and there are teachers who alter how students think.
For 39 years at William Henry Harrison High School, Ann Hammons has done the latter. In her classroom, literature
Slide 2: Presenting Sponsor
Slide 3: Gold Sponsors
Slide 4: Silver Sponsors
Slide 5: Bronze Sponsors
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Slide 7: Ann Hammons
is examined, argued with, reconsidered. Students leave having learned how to build an idea, defend it, and refine it.
Generations of alumni can trace their intellectual confidence back to her room. Colleagues describe her as rigorous but generous, exacting but deeply invested.
(Ann’s video plays.)
Josh Shives:
On behalf of Raeco Realty and Greater Lafayette Commerce, it is my pleasure to present this Golden Apple Award to Ann Hammons.
(Ann comes to the podium and accepts the award.)
Ann Hammons Acceptance Speech
Ann Hammons:
Firstly, my thanks go out to everyone who has been on this journey with me from the start. My mother and father, who proved to be the best and most steadfast of teachers. My lifelong friends, who date back to junior high school and college, remind me of the love and laughter that have propelled this continued friendship forward. Also, colleagues, peers, parents, and the nearly 6000 students I've taught over the last 40 years. Thank You!
As people know, I love a good story, whether it is in literature or life. And, I love to tell stories…
Fake it 'til you make it - This maxim is one I teach all my student teachers and new teachers. Obviously, knowing your subject matter is crucial, but the one thing no one teaches the new teacher is "all the things." The best lessons and activities will be busted up with fire drills, security drills, pep sessions, convocations, conferences, registration week, and any other number of interruptions. As a beginner myself in 1986, I thought I handled the "fake it 'til you make
it" theory pretty well. Then, Mr. Day, the principal who hired me was retiring… [story continues].
When people find out that I have been at the same school for nearly 40 years, they ask why. In many ways, it was a snap decision. After my first year, the school where I had student taught called and offered me a position. With no hesitation, I said, "No, I'm good here." Every year, when we read Charles Dickens's novel, Great Expectations, I am reminded of that moment.
"That was a memorable day for me, for it made great changes in me. But it is the same with any life. Imagine one selected day struck out of it, and think how different its course would have been. Pause, you who read this and think for a moment of the long chain of iron or gold, of thorns or flowers, that would never have bound you, but for the formation of the first link on one memorable day."
Well, my chain of gold is orange and blue, and my flowers are the people linked to my chain - colleagues, parents who've become friends, and students who've become parents and a student teacher who became my principal.
Award Presentation to Celeste Fernandez
Sue Scott:
Here to present our second Golden Apple Award is Heather Thompson with Old National Bank.
Heather Thompson:
At an age when confidence is forming and curiosity is taking shape, having a safe place to learn, belong and be yourself can make all the difference. It is where children begin discovering their strengths, exploring their passions, and learning how to navigate the world around them.
Celeste Fernandez, a fourth-grade teacher at West Lafayette Intermediate School with 13 years in education, creates more than a classroom; she builds a community. A Battle
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Slide 11: Celeste Fernandez
Ground native inspired by her own teachers, she believes children represent the very best of humanity and says being around them gives her hope for the future. In her LEGOthemed classroom, students are “builders,” working together to build knowledge, character and community.
Families describe her classroom as the kind of place every parent hopes for; one where students feel safe, valued and inspired. By nurturing curiosity, confidence and compassion, Mrs. Fernandez is shaping strong learners and thoughtful leaders for the future.
(Celeste’s video plays.)
Heather Thompson:
On Behalf of Old National Bank and Greater Lafayette Commerce, it is my pleasure to present this Golden Apple Award to Celeste Fernandez.
(Celeste’s comes to the podium and accepts the award.)
Celeste Fernandez’s Speech
Celeste Fernandez:
Thank you, Greater Lafayette Commerce, for this incredible honor.
The first and best example I had of being a lifelong learner is my mom. Growing up, she made sure we had a diverse home library, that I got science toys as presents, and that going to Teacher’s Delight was a special treat if we were very, very good. Even with four young children, she was always learning something new just for herself, from cake decorating and woodworking to writing children’s literature. I'm still learning through her passion and compassion how to leave the world better than I found it.
From my dad, I learned how to dribble a basketball and sing the Purdue fight song from a very early age. He’s still teaching me what it means to have a servant heart, to sacrifice time and sleep for the things that matter, and how to work hard (even when you probably ought to be resting). From my stepmom I'm learning to value creativity, to embrace change, and the confidence that comes from working for the life you want while living the life that you have.
From my siblings, but especially my sisters and my best friend who is like a sister, I'm learning humor, forgiveness, the art of storytelling, the power of celebrating each other, and what it means to sit and to walk with someone in moments of crisis as well as moments of joy. They are creative, strong, kind humans, and I'm lucky to call them mine.
I had some incredible teachers in this community growing up who helped me fall in love with school and with learning, who made me think, “Yeah, I want to do that.” Thank you especially to Mrs. Freeman, Mrs. Pinto, Mr. Fudge, Miss Jordan, and Mme G, who each left an indelible mark on my life, personally and professionally.
In a school community, teachers can only do what we do because so many others do what they do well.
Our bus drivers, crossing guards, and safety officers are our students’ first and last smiles of the day, and establish a safe and friendly environment right from the first hello. Our custodians not only ensure we have a healthy and clean space to learn, but patiently handle the messiness of projects and the setting up of spaces to welcome families into the school’s most special moments. Our secretaries basically run the world, keeping us organized and welcoming others to the building.
Our food staff and lunch/recess supervisors teach me how to plan in advance, offer variety, and make connections
even in chaos. From our nurse and counselor I'm learning to really see each student more clearly, whatever their physical or emotional needs, and how to better care for them so we can get to the business of learning. From our interventionists and therapists of all kinds (reading and math, speech, OT, PT, ESL, etc.), I’m learning how to slow down and use meaningful data that can make education truly student-centered.
From our incredible special education teachers and paraprofessionals, I’m learning infinite patience as we motivate kids beyond what they think they can do, and also to celebrate every small milestone. From our substitute teachers, I’m learning the life skills of flexibility and communication, and the power of leaning on community when you need to. From our specials teachers, I’m learning how to teach the whole child in multiple ways that are more relevant and fruitful for all the students we serve.
From my administrators (past and present), I’m learning to grow from feedback, to dream bigger, how to have hard conversations, and to give myself grace. From my incredible fellow educators, I’m learning that teamwork really does make the dream work.
My “teacher besties” deserve a special shout-out here. Katie Dodds has been my confidante and greatest cheerleader pretty much from the start, and is everything I want to be when I grow up. From her, I’m constantly learning how to foster creativity in our kids, how to tap into resources in our community to enhance learning, and how to advocate for the profession itself. She teaches me how to listen to and love my students better.
TJ Rosa came to our school with the fiery spark of a new teacher at a time when my own embers were dying out. Her willingness to collaborate with me not only helped fan the flames again, but helped inspire me to be the teacher I always wanted to be but just didn’t quite know how. From her I'm still learning how to lead and teach my students
better and, of course, the transformative power of a great book.
And, of course, my students the reason why we all do what we do. Daily they teach me to learn from my mistakes, to resolve conflicts and regulate emotions, to admit when I don’t know something and then take the time and effort to figure it out, to not take myself too seriously, to run with a teachable moment and see where it leads, and to embrace people who are very different from myself. They really are family, and the best of humanity, and teaching really is the most hopeful profession.
So thank you for taking time to celebrate this community. The support for education in the Greater Lafayette Area is unmatched, but not unnoticed or unappreciated. It may be a cliche that it takes a village, but it’s true, and I'm incredibly grateful for the village we are celebrating here tonight. Thank you.
Award Presentation to Sara Wright
Sue Scott:
Here to present our third Golden Apple Award is Dr. Tara Johnson from Purdue College of Education.
Dr. Tara Johnson:
Elementary teaching requires a particular kind of imagination, the ability to see who a child might become.
Sara Wright, a fourth grade teacher at James Cole
Elementary School, with 20 years in education has held that vision for her students. She is known for strong relationships, inventive lessons and an instinct for meeting students where they are.
Colleagues describe her as someone who is always thinking, always refining, building, improving. Families describe her as steady and responsive.
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Slide 15: Sara Wright
There is a patience in her work. A long view. The understanding that confidence built in fourth grade can last a lifetime. Tonight, we honor that investment.
(Sara’s video plays).
Dr. Tara Johnson
On behalf of Purdue College of Education and Greater Lafayette Commerce, it is my pleasure to present this 2026 Golden Apple to Sara Wright.
(Sara comes to the podium and accepts the award.)
Sara Wright’s Acceptance Speech
Sarah Wright:
I am a teacher’s kid. I grew up knowing that teaching has never been confined to school hours. My childhood was spent crawling into holes for soil judging competitions, starting school days by watering plants in the greenhouse, and spending summers playing in the shop where I also learned that the wheels on the bottom of large trash cans make excellent scooters. From a young age, I understood that teaching requires dedication, creativity, and a whole lot of heart. My dad taught for 38 years, and he set the very first example for me of what a truly great teacher looks like.
I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. As a child, my cabbage patch dolls were my first students, and I read aloud to them from my Berenstain Bears books. My first job was babysitting my cousins, and nearly every job after that involved working with children. My biggest challenge wasn’t deciding if I wanted to teach, but what I wanted to teach. I loved every subject which ultimately led me to elementary education.
During my student teaching, I was incredibly fortunate to be placed with an outstanding mentor, Trudy Nelson- also a Golden Apple winner. She instilled in me a love for history and the joy of sharing novels with students. As I began my career, I continued to be surrounded by amazing colleagues
Side 16: Sara Wright video
Slide 17: Sara Wright
and a supportive administrator, Tim Schirack, whose lessons and leadership still guide me today.
I have always loved being around kids. I believe they keep you young, but I didn’t fully appreciate how remarkable childhood truly is until I became a parent myself. My two children, Owen and Levi, have taught me more than I ever expected about patience, perspective, and the many ways children learn and grow. They are completely different, yet equally amazing, and watching them move through school has been both a gift and a powerful learning experience.
None of this would be possible without my family especially my husband, Eric. I’m fairly certain he has learned to brace himself when I say, “So, I have an idea.” He has built, painted, cut laminate, and spent countless hours in my classroom supporting my work. I am forever grateful for his unwavering support and belief in me.
Recently, I began a new adventure at Cole Elementary. Mike Pinto has been incredibly supportive and has encouraged me to dream big. He is an outstanding administrator who truly understands how magical childhood is. I am also fortunate to be surrounded by dedicated teachers, support staff, and families who make Cole such a special place.
The TSC has a tradition where the teacher with the most years of service earns a shirt with the number 1 on the back. It has always been a goal of mine to wear that shirt someday. I’m looking forward to the next 15 to 20 years of teaching or however long it takes to earn it.
Teaching has always been more than a job to me—it’s a calling that began long before I ever stepped into my own classroom. I am deeply honored to receive this award and thankful to everyone who has helped shape me into the teacher I am today.