Rose State College Honors Outstanding Educators with the Golden Apple Award Published November 20, 2024

Rose State College proudly celebrated the impact of exceptional educators across Oklahoma with its prestigious Golden Apple Award, honoring ten individuals who have profoundly influenced the lives of their students. 

The award recipients were selected from 78 heartfelt essays submitted by current Rose State students, each nominating a teacher who had a lasting impact on their education and personal growth. A Rose State faculty and staff committee carefully evaluated each nomination to identify the ten honorees. 

“The Golden Apple Teaching Award is one of my favorite honors we bestow throughout the year,” said Lance Newbold, Rose State College Vice President of Student Affairs. “It’s incredibly moving to see teachers, who have dedicated their lives to shaping students’ futures, recognized by those very students.” 

The essays highlighted inspiring personal stories of how these educators went above and beyond. Two students shared stories of their teachers’ heroic actions during the May 2013 tornado, ushering them and other students to safety. Another student wrote about overcoming a challenging language barrier and living in a new country by finding a sense of safety, love, and validation through the compassionate actions of their teacher. 

The 2024 Golden Apple Award honorees include:

• Leslie Brewster, Meeker High School- nominated by Ean Watham
• Kelly Chamlee, Rose State College- nominated by Lily Goolsby
• Jennifer Chang, Norman High School- nominated by Kimberlyn Bruehl
• William Glover, Orvis Risner Elementary School- nominated by Matin Mazroee
• Tracy Hastings, Nicoma Park Elementary School- nominated by Ashlyn Wilbanks
• Jamie Maples, Briarwood Elementary School- nominated by Breanna Cordero
• Tricia Mitchell, Carnegie High School- nominated by Angela Cardenas
• Shannon Pruitt, Meeker High School- nominated by Kylie Way
• Paula Sendall, Choctaw High School- nominated by Shelbie Pherigo
• Amy Simpson, Oakridge Elementary School- nominated by Scarlet Simpson 

Since its establishment in 2001, the Golden Apple program has honored 250 educators, celebrating their remarkable dedication to shaping students' lives. Rose State College remains committed to recognizing and supporting the educators who inspire, uplift, and change the lives of their students every day.