Highland Park Neighbors Magazine Articles

Nominations for the 2026 Highland Park Community Foundation (HPCF) Golden Apple Award are now open!

Each year, the Highland Park Community Foundation recognizes an exceptional teacher through its HPCF Golden Apple Award, honoring an individual who exemplifies excellence in education and makes a lasting impact on their students. In 2026, the award will be presented to a pre-K through 5th grade teacher who goes above and beyond in their dedication to their students, school, and community.

“Each year, we honor an exemplary educator with the prestigious HPCF Golden Apple Award,” said Sara Sher, Chair of the HPCF Golden Apple Committee. “The recipient is chosen based on content knowledge, instruction, staff and student interaction, and contribution to school and community. It is our mission to collect nominations from the community to award a teacher who has dedicated their time and effort to making a difference in their students’ lives through their academic guidance and encouragement.”

2024 HPCFGA Award Winner Jennifer Sobel

Nominations for the HPCF Golden Apple Award will be accepted for full-time teachers currently working in North Shore School District 112 in grades pre-K–5. Community members—including students, parents, colleagues, and administrators—may submit nominations; however, self-nominations and nominations by family members will not be accepted. To nominate an outstanding educator, please visit hpcfil.org and click on “awards” in the navigation bar.

The HPCF Golden Apple Award honoree will receive a Golden Apple statue and the Sara Sher Excellence in Teaching Prize—which includes a $2,000 honorarium and $500 Apple Store gift card. The recipient will be recognized at their school and honored by the NSSD112 Board of Education and HPCF’s Board of Directors.

To be eligible for the award, the nominee must have completed four full years of teaching and be committed to continue teaching in the Highland Park-Highwood public school system for at least two more years. They must also be part of the Golden Apple Selection Committee after receiving the award. Nominations will be accepted until Monday, November 3, 2025, at 5:00 P.M.

Show your appreciation for outstanding educators who make a difference every day by submitting one or more nominations today! For more information or questions regarding the HPCF Golden Apple Award, please contact Sara Sher at sarasher606@gmail.com.