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 (2002 Scholar)
Alicia Snow, Vice President (2016 Scholar)
Sara Baar-Ledford, Secretary (2005 Scholar)
ARC Members
Laurel Kulig (2002 Scholar)
Kelly Gimmler (2017 Scholar)
Kaylen Palmer (2011 Scholar)
Renata Serpico (2016 Scholar)
Brigid Hughes (2015 Scholar)
Rachel Manchur (2015 Scholar)
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 2027 award open July 17, 2026, and close January 11, 2027.
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 2027 award open November 2, 2026, and close April 5, 2027.
Recognition:
The selected recipient will be honored at the Crystal Apple Ceremony, Summer 2027.
Interested in getting involved?
Here are the Requirements:
Be able to attend (either virtually or in person) our monthly Saturday meeting.
Complete an ARC Interest Form and Natalie will get in contact with you to set up an initial phone call!
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.