Golden Apple Announces Scholars Of Illinois Class Of 2018
Program prepares over 800 aspiring educators to teach in Illinois’ 3,400 schools-of-need
CHICAGO (June 19, 2018) – Golden Apple, a leading Illinois nonprofit committed to developing great teachers, proudly announces the induction of the 2018 class of the Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois. The 2018 Scholars include 229 dynamic young people who have chosen to dedicate themselves to a future career teaching students in Illinois schools-of-need.
The Scholars program is uniquely designed to prepare future teachers to thrive in the most challenging school environments where more resilient teachers are desperately needed. In response, this year marks the fourth consecutive year that Golden Apple has accepted more than 200 Scholars into the program, a program which has doubled in size over the past five years.
While pursuing their degree in teaching, Scholars participate in Summer Institute experiences in which they spend time working directly with students, have opportunities to reflect on their teaching practice, and receive instruction and mentorship from Award-winning Golden Apple teachers.
This year, more than 800 Scholars will participate in these Institutes, preparing to serve thousands of Illinois students upon their graduation. Within these Summer Institutes, Scholars will acquire more than two times the classroom teaching experience garnered by traditionally-prepared teachers. Importantly, Golden Apple’s support continues into the first years of teaching with comprehensive on-site mentoring.
Golden Apple Scholars represent a diverse group of high-achieving young people from across the state of Illinois with more than 1/2 being first-generation college students. Newly-inducted 2018 Scholars maintained nearly a 4.0 average weighted high school GPA and over a 3.5 college GPA.
“Golden Apple is thrilled to welcome the high-achieving 2018 class of Scholars, who from diverse backgrounds and circumstance, will grow to guide underserved students from the most challenging environments to long-term success,” said Alicia Winckler, president and CEO of Golden Apple. “In response to the urgent demand for qualified teachers, the Scholars program is poised to deliver exponential growth to meet that need. We are proud to prepare highly effective teachers for schools-of-need.”
The Scholars program improves persistence and graduation rates among participants profoundly. In addition, the program has been shown to have a significant impact on workforce development by helping low-income and underrepresented students gain necessary skill development for a lasting career in teaching - evidenced by the over 80% who begin teaching who stay in teaching for more than 5 years.
Golden Apple Scholars Class of 2018 (Name, Hometown, University)
Marielle Abalos, Onarga, Eastern Illinois University
Weston Acampora, Lake Forest, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Angela Addante, Addison, Lake Forest College
Joanna Alvord, Flora, Olivet Nazarene University
John Anderlik, McHenry, Illinois State University
Jessica Anderson, Argenta, Eastern Illinois University
Fabiola Angulo-Gonzalez, Chicago, Saint Xavier University
Alyssa Anselmini, Addison, Illinois State University
Jordan Bartels, Braceville, Augustana College
Emily Bartle, Blue Island, Bradley University
Benjamin Bedell, Tinley Park, Aurora University
Lee Bell, Aurora, Northern Illinois University
Vanessa Bello, Montgomery, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Ireland Binkowski, Channahon, Eastern Illinois University
Emily Blanchard, Downers Grove, Loyola University Chicago
Emily Blanke, Barrington, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Kaylee Borja, West Chicago, North Central College
Evadne Bowlin, Matteson, Northern Illinois University
Fernando Bravo Garcia, Vernon Hills, Augustana College
Clarice Brown, East Moline, Augustana College
Keegan Brown, Woodhull, Monmouth College
Laura Burkett, Gilberts, Northern Illinois University
Abigail Byrnside, O'Fallon, Illinois State University
Gianna Cairo, Berwyn, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Paula Katrina Camaya, Skokie, Loyola University Camaya
Maria Campbell, Naperville, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Katie Carranza, Round Lake Beach, Illinois State University
Melissa Castillo, Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago
Shannon Cavins, Plainfield, Illinois State University
Cynthia Cisneros, Chicago, National Louis University
Jillian Clifton, Chatham, Augustana College
Shepherd Coventon, Biggsville, Monmouth College
Quincy Cowell, Rolling Meadows, Northwestern University
Taylor Crew, Colona, Western Illinois University
Nina Crowley, Cullom, Augustana College
Breanna Cruz, Burbank, Illinois State University
Rosalia Cucinella, Addison, Elmhurst College
Diamond Dadej, Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Kelly Damann, Mascoutah, McKendree University
Danielle Daujatas, Worth, Trinity Christian College
Daniel De La Torre, Bensenville, University of Illinois at Chicago
Nicole DeCastris, Aurora, Illinois State University
Ryan Deetz, Decatur, Illinois State University
Isabella Dehmlow, Naperville, Loyola University Chicago
Steffi Delgado, Hoffman Estates, Northern Illinois University
Max DiPasquale, Belleville, Millikin University
Morgan-Marie Donohue, Batavia, North Central College
John Downey, Lockport, Knox College
Dominik Downs, Chicago, DePaul University
Rachel Edwards, Murrayville, Quincy University
Sophie Elder, Chicago, Loyola University Chicago
Katherine Elvery, Lombard, Southern Illinois University - Carbondale
Abbie Eveland, Canton, Illinois State University
Sarah Fisher, Mapleton, Augustana College
Emma Fister, Buffalo Grove, Bradley University
Lidia Flores, Berwyn, Northern Illinois University
Luis Flores, Harvard, Vandercook College of Music
Tea Floyd, Chicago, Columbia College Chicago
Ana Galan, Chicago, The School of The Art Institute
Laila Galecki, Bensenville, Loyola University Chicago
Elizabeth Gallegos, Alsip, University of Illinois at Chicago
Elizabeth Galvez, Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Nelson Garcia, Des Plaines, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Mariah Garzee, Bushnell, Monmouth College
Emma Germann, Watseka, Elmhurst College
Elizabeth Gilmore, Springfield, Illinois State University
Lesly Gonzalez, Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago
Vanessa Gonzalez, Chicago, Northeastern Illinois University
Courtney Gordon, Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Madison Graham, Palmyra, Illinois State University
Layne Gregory, Pittsfield, Illinois College
Jose Guarda, Waukegan, National Louis University
Elise Guillen, Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Liliana Gutierrez, Chicago, Northeastern Illinois University
Vanessa Guzman, Chicago, Loyola University Chicago
Emily Halik, Crystal Lake, Illinois State University
Emma Harris, Streator, MacMurray College
Wendy Hegbom, Rockford, Rockford University
Sophie Henderson, Carbondale, Bradley University
Grace Herb, St.Charles, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Uriel Hernandez, Carpentersville, Elmhurst College
Victoria Herr, Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago
Melanie Hess, Yorkville, Illinois State University
Yureysi Hidalgo, Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Jessica Hilario, Itasca, Elmhurst College
Megan Hintz, Beach Park, Illinois State University
Hunter Howard, Georgetown, Eastern Illinois University
Amanyae Hubbard, Belleville, Illinois College
Allyson Huffman, Jacksonville, Illinois College
Andrew Hunter, Batavia, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Allison Huynh, Schaumburg, Illinois State University
Samantha Jegglie, Lisle, North Central College
Scott Johnson, Palatine, Northern Illinois University
Seaneiser Johnson, Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Hannah Jones, Sesser, McKendree University
Julianne Kauffman, Mahomet, Illinois State University
Hannah Kegg, Bradley, Olivet Nazarene University
Jillian King, Romeoville, Illinois State University
Alexandra Kirchens, Lake Forest, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Kalyn Konrath, Lombard, Elmhurst College
Aliana Kottabi, Godfrey, Illinois State University
Meredith Kull, Effingham, Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville
Sandra Ladzik, Arlington Heights, DePaul University
Morelia Lara, Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago
Lydia Latham, Maryville, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Corey Lavallais, Franklin Park, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Sarah Lee, Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago
Delaney Libit, Arlington Heights, Illinois State University
JD Lindley, Jacksonville, McKendree University
Rosita Lopez, Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago
Jesse Lorenzo, Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Hugo Luna, Chicago, Dominican University
Karlie MacKenzie, Auburn, Eastern Illinois University
Elizabeth Malenchik, Rockford, Rockford University
Denise Mares, Chicago, DePaul University
Nathan Massa, Roselle, Bradley University
Ethan Masters, Arlington Heights, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Makayla Mathewson, Peoria, Illinois State University
Ellavieve McCarthy, Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Mikayla McGill, Buffalo Grove, Loyola University Chicago
Celine McLaughlin, Hickory Hills, Illinois State University
Adolfo Medina, Chicago, Loyola University Chicago
Taylor Mendenhall, Rochester, Illinois State University
Abraham Mendoza, Waukegan, Lake Forest College
Emily Meneese, Marion, McKendree University
Maria Mercado Juarez, Harvard, Rockford University
Alia Miksek, Berwyn, Northern Illinois University
Allyson Miller, Champaign, Illinois State University
Evan Miller, Springfield, Millikin University
Tarryn Monti, Palestine, Eastern Illinois University
Myah Moore, Springfield, Illinois State University
Cristian-Andres Mora, Blue Island, University of Illinois at Chicago
Kaitlyn Moylan, Tinley Park, Illinois State University
Anderson Murfin, Pekin, Olivet Nazarene University
Cashmere Myart, Chicago, Illinois State University
Natalia Narajczyk, Chicago, DePaul University
Sydney Narot, Lisle, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Tony Nicolalde, Aurora, Illinois State University
Aleeyah Nieves, Chicago, Concordia University
Ciara O'Malley, Downers Grove, Illinois State University
Kammi Osborn, East Peoria, Eureka College
Emily Owens, Glen Ellyn, North Central College
Nicole Pagan, Chicago, Loyola University Chicago
Erica Parks, Calumet Park, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Jonathan Patino-Sanchez, Chicago, Saint Xavier University
Emily Patterson, Wood Dale, Illinois State University
Amanda Payne, Hanover Park, Northern Illinois University
Cassandra Payne, Lombard, North Park University
Matthew Payton, Sugar Grove, Augustana College
Brandon Pease, Justice, Blackburn College
Zachary Peterson, Glenview, Illinois State University
Nathan Petithomme, Chicago, Loyola University Chicago
Gonzalo Pompa, Chicago, Northeastern Illinois University
Kiley Pooler, Downers Grove, University of Illinois at Chicago
Ariana Porras, Brookfield, Benedictine University
Cody Pullium, Peoria Heights, Illinois State University
Matthew Randich, Crestwood, Illinois State University
Jasmine Reed, Palatine, University of Illinois at Chicago
Marina Reutenauer, Streamwood, Northern Illinois University
Jennifer Reyes, Cicero University, of Illinois at Chicago
Julliana Reyes, Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Matthew Reyes-Nava, Chicago, Loyola University Chicago
Cyrus Rhodes, Springfield, Illinois State University
Karina Rico, Plainfield, Illinois College
Isaac Riddle, Beardstown, Illinois College
Lucy Rieke, Dwight, Western Illinois University
Lauren Rivas, South Barrington, Illinois State University
Karina Rodriguez, Aurora, North Central College
Jennifer Rodriguez-Gomez, Evanston, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Abbey Rose, Manhattan, Illinois State University
Taylor Rosko, Downers Grove, Illinois State University
Darrin Ross, Kirkwood, Western Illinois University
Amanda Ruiz, Elgin, DePaul University
Niki Safakas, Schaumburg, Loyola University Chicago
Amy Saldivar-Castaneda, Cary, Illinois State University
Molly Salerno, Hoffman Estates, Illinois State University
Bailey Salyards, Gibson City, Illinois State University
Vanessa Sandoval, Chicago University, of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Theresa Schafer, Mount Prospect, Illinois State University
Leah Schoonmaker, Chicago, Wheaton College
Sarah Schultz, Gardner, Eastern Illinois University
Hanna Schuman, New Lenox, Illinois State University
Rodrigo Scofield, Cicero, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Sara Shahein, Bridgeview, DePaul University
Jordan Shake, Homer Glen, Saint Xavier University
Michelle Sharpe, Chicago, Loyola University Chicago
Kelsey Sherman, Frankfort, Illinois State University
Tierra Shickel, Bloomington, Illinois State University
Justin Smith, Oak Park, Illinois State University
Faith Stallard, Noble, Illinois College
Kacey Stockdell, Joliet, Western Illinois University
Nicole Stopa, Chicago, Northeastern Illinois University
Connor Sullivan, Colchester, Western Illinois University
Clare Svoboda, Clarendon Hills, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Katherine Syer, Park Ridge, Augustana College
Giselle Tapia, Chicago, North Park University
Marina Taylor, Champaign, Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville
Bailey Theesfeld, Rankin, Illinois State University
Karina Theobald, Palatine, Illinois State University
Brianna Thomas, Chicago, Illinois Wesleyan University
Amanda Timlin, Barrington, Loyola University Chicago
Anna Tonarelli, Romeoville, Illinois State University
Lucia Torres Perez, Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago
Dylan Toth, Schaumburg, Illinois State University
Carlie Trybom, Monticello, Blackburn College
Weronika Trzaska, Franklin Park, Illinois State University
Dylan VanRoosendaal, New Lenox, University of Illinois at Chicago
Rafael Vazquez, Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Randy Vicencio, Posen, Elmhurst College
William Villaflor, Morton Grove, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Danijela Vranjes, Chicago, Loyola University Chicago
Ethan Wallace, Villa Park, Eastern Illinois University
Juliana Wallace, Joliet, Augustana College
Elisabeth Warden, Beardstown, Illinois State University
Rachel Webber, Lockport, Olivet Nazarene University
Katryna Weingart, McHenry, Northern Illinois University
Ashunti Westbrook, Chicago, Western Illinois University
Tyler Wheeler, Homewood, Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville
Caitlin Whitney, Shorewood, Illinois State University
Ciara Wilkerson, Oak Park, Western Illinois University
Monica Williams, Medinah, Illinois State University
Christa Willoughby, Springfield, University of Illinois Springfield
Toni Wilson, Naperville, University of Illinois at Chicago
Rachel Winslow, Georgetown, Eastern Illinois University
Madalynn Wolfley, Dixon, Aurora University
Cassidy Woodman, Cherry Valley, Illinois State University
Lesley Woods, Newton, Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville
Yulissa Zagal, Chicago, Bradley University
Rosa Zhaleh, Niles, Illinois Wesleyan University
About Golden Apple
Founded in 1985, Golden Apple innovates teacher preparation and leadership to transform both the careers of teachers as well as the lives of students in Illinois. Its signature initiative, the Golden Apple Scholars Program, provides exceptional teacher preparation, resources, and lifelong support to advance educational excellence for Illinois’ most underserved students in schools-of-need. Aspiring teachers/Scholars are recruited from the communities in which they return to serve -- with a passion for teaching and a drive to create positive change for young people in their communities. Scholars commit to teach at an Illinois school-of-need for five years after graduation. More than 1,000 Scholars currently are teaching across Illinois. Visit http://www.goldenapple.org for more information.
Media contact:
Kellie Kennedy
312-933-4903
kelliek@theharbingergroup.com