University of Findlay Graduates at the Core of the Golden Apple Awards

University of Findlay alumnae take home top honors at the 2022 Golden Apple Awards.

The Findlay Rotary Club awarded area teachers during its 32^nd Annual Golden Apple Awards, honoring the top educators in Findlay and Hancock County. Each year, teachers are nominated by their students and peers through the Findlay Rotary website, and three teachers are selected from each of the elementary, middle school, and high school levels. The nine semi-finalists are then required to submit a resume, a teaching philosophy essay, and letters of recommendation. Rotary members then conduct interviews and classroom visits to determine finalists.

This year, the Rotary’s selection of teachers included many familiar names. Of the nine semi-finalists selected for their teaching excellence, four are products of the University of Findlay’s College of Education. Julie D. McIntosh, Ed.D, Dean of the College of Education, congratulated both the semi-finalists and finalists and believes it all stems from the educational process and experiences offered through the College of Education at the University of Findlay.

“We are very proud of our University of Findlay graduates. Our licensure program has multiple field experiences and prepares educators for the profession. Our master’s and doctoral programs are focused on helping teachers become scholarly practitioners.”

Semi-finalists included alumnae Tonya Thorbahn, ’06 MAE ’13, Gifted Intervention Specialist at Chamberlin Hill Elementary; Andrea Lee MAE ’10, teaching English and Literature to 8^th and 9^th graders at Cory-Rawson Local Schools; and Andrea Barger ’03, English Teacher at Arlington Local Schools. 2022 Middle School Finalist and winner of the Golden Apple Award was Kristina Rodman ’08, who serves as the Intervention Specialist at Van Buren Middle School.

The finalist at each level receives the Golden Apple Award, as well as a $2,500 cash prize. Second and third place semi-finalists receive a $250 cash prize. Rodman will now join the Golden Apple Academy, a group of all past Golden Apple Award finalists.

To learn more about University of Findlay’s Education program, visit the College of Education’s webpage.