Rose State College celebrated the impact of exceptional educators across Oklahoma through its annual Golden Apple Awards, honoring teachers who have profoundly influenced their students’ lives.
Current Rose State students nominated this year’s Golden Apple honorees through essays spotlighting educators who made a lasting impact on their education and personal growth. A dedicated Rose State faculty and staff committee reviewed each nomination to select the final recipients, whose inspiring stories reflect the transformative power of great teaching.
The 2025 Golden Apple Award recipients are:
| Student | Teacher | School |
|---|---|---|
| Isabella Marmolejo | Heather Kite | Midwest City High School |
| Casey Williams | Kara Hayes | Sooner Elementary |
| Gracen Hicks | Trent Miller | Amber-Pocasset High School |
| Kennedy Layton | Melissa Layton | Stratford High School |
| Callie VanHoesen | Wendy Landes | Ponca City High School |
| Jessica Sneed | Randy Bean | Strother Public Schools |
| Avah Crosson | Wes Crosson | Edmond Santa Fe High School |
| Brianna Hill | Olivia East | Anadarko High School |
| Carter Migglettto | Seth Richardson | Stilwell Elementary School |
| Aden Henke | Brad Robertson | Luther High School |
Since its establishment in 2001, the Golden Apple program has recognized more than 250 educators for their remarkable dedication to shaping students’ lives. Each year, the program continues to celebrate the teachers who go above and beyond—those who inspire curiosity, encourage confidence, and make a lasting difference.
Rose State College remains steadfast in its commitment to recognizing and supporting educators who inspire, uplift, and change lives every day.