Highland Park Neighbors Magazine Articles

Know a teacher who has made a difference in a student’s life?

Nominations are now open for the 2027 Highland Park Community Foundation Golden Apple Award. Sponsored by the Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF), the award gives members of our community an opportunity to recognize an outstanding educator who has made a meaningful difference in students’ lives and whose impact reaches far beyond the classroom. This year’s award will honor a teacher at Highland Park High School.

“Each year, we honor an exemplary educator with the prestigious HPCF Golden Apple Award,” said Sara Sher, former Golden Apple Committee Chair. “The recipient is chosen based on content knowledge, instruction, staff and student interaction, and contribution to school and community.”

Jon Bogie-2025 HPCFGA Winner

A Community-Wide Nomination

Nominations are open to everyone in the community. “We want everyone to have the chance to be a part of the process,” said Joanne Dimitriou, chair of this year’s Golden Apple Selection Committee. “People should think about the teachers who have made a lasting impression on their families. That includes anyone who has seen a teacher make a difference in a student’s life — a parent, grandparent, student, niece, nephew or another member of the community.” The only restrictions are that family members of the nominee may not submit nominations and teachers may not nominate themselves.

The committee is looking for more than excellent classroom instruction. Creativity and innovative teaching practices, strong relationships with students, leadership within the school, and contributions to the broader school community are all important considerations.

Ultimately, Joanne said, the committee is looking for educators whose influence extends beyond their formal responsibilities.

“We’re looking for teachers who go above and beyond what is required of them in the classroom and that their impact really continues beyond the classroom doors,” she said.

A Rigorous Selection Process

Each nomination receives individual consideration. From the nominations, the committee will select three finalists, who are expected to be announced in February 2027.

The finalists then participate in an extensive evaluation process that includes classroom observations and a full day spent with the selection committee. The committee also gathers input from students, parents, colleagues and administrators — people who know the teachers and their impact best.

Following the classroom observations and additional interviews, the committee will meet again in late April to select the award recipient from the three finalists. The winner will then receive a surprise visit at Highland Park High School, where the award will be announced, typically in May. The honoree will also be recognized at a District 113 Board of Education meeting.

For Joanne, the community aspect of the award is especially important. “We really do want it to feel as if it’s a community award,” she said.

Who Will You Nominate?

The Golden Apple Award provides an opportunity for our community to shine a light on the teachers who inspire, encourage, challenge, and support their students — and whose influence can last long after a student leaves the classroom.

If a Highland Park High School teacher has made a meaningful difference in the life of a student you know, this is a wonderful opportunity to make sure that teacher is recognized.

Nominations for the 2027 Golden Apple Award will be accepted through Monday, November 9, 2026, at 5 PM.