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The Alumni Relations Council (ARC) is a group of Scholars and Accelerators alumni dedicated to supporting and engaging the alumni community.

ARC Leadership

Natalie Rodriguez, President

Alicia Snow, Vice President

Sara Baar-Ledford, Secretary

ARC Members

  • Maria Solis

  • Laurel Kulig

  • Kelly Gimler

  • Kaylen Zarembski

  • Tom Schergen

  • Mike D'Acquisto

  • Abby Starwalt Hlinka

  • Andrew Jones

Alum of the Year

The Golden Apple Alum of the Year Award recognizes Golden Apple alumni who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the mission of the Golden Apple Foundation and exemplify the Golden Apple Core Competencies.

Eligibility:

  • Completed their Golden Apple teaching commitment full-time in a school of need in Illinois.

  • Not current or former full-time employees of the Golden Apple Foundation.

  • Currently working in the field of education.

Nomination & Application:

  • Step 1: Nomination—Anyone, including self-nominations, may nominate a Golden Apple alum. Submit via this Nomination Form. Nominations for the 2026 award open July 17, 2025, and close January 5, 2026.

  • Step 2: Application – Nominated alumni will complete an application comprising six short-essay questions (350 words each) demonstrating commitment to Golden Apple’s mission and Core Competencies. Applications for the 2026 award open November 3, 2025, and close April 13, 2026.

Recognition:

  • The selected recipient will be honored at the Crystal Apple Ceremony, Summer 2026.

Interested in getting involved? 

Here are the Requirements:

  1. Be able to attend (either virtually or in person) our monthly Saturday meeting. 

  2. Complete an ARC Interest Form and Natalie will get in contact with you to set up an initial phone call!

  3. Must complete 2 years of teaching to be a member and 5 years of teaching to hold an office position

For questions or interest in ARC, contact Natalie Rodriguez at nmrodriguez83@gmail.com.