BEL AIR, MD—Ten educators from Harford County, Baltimore County, and Baltimore City were honored with grants totaling $10,000 at the 14th annual Golden Apple Awards, hosted by Freedom Federal Credit Union. The awards ceremony, held on August 13 at Mountain Branch Grill & Pub in Joppa, recognized teachers for their innovative classroom projects.
This year marked the first time the program expanded to include educators from Baltimore City. The credit union awarded two $2,000 grants, four $1,000 grants, and four $500 grants.
Top Award Winners Focus on Podcasting
The two top awards of $2,000 each went to educators who are using podcasting to enhance learning.
- Tara Recor, who teaches at Prospect Mill and Emmorton elementary schools in Harford County, will use the grant to implement podcast-powered “learning walks” that blend physical activity with academic enrichment.
- Taylor Herring of Chesapeake Terrace Elementary in Baltimore County will launch a student-led podcast to build confidence and communication skills among her students.
STEM and Sustainability Projects Receive $1,000 Grants
The four $1,000 grants supported projects in STEM and environmental sustainability.
- Jim Renaud from Western Tech High School in Baltimore County will expand engineering opportunities.
- Mike Homishak of Aberdeen High School in Harford County will support newly launched electives in Bacteriology and Zoology.
- Lisa Brown at Edgewood Elementary will create a mobile Makerspace cart and a permanent Media Center station for hands-on STEM learning.
- Julia Bailey of Darchei Noam Montessori in Baltimore City will co-lead a schoolwide environmental sustainability program.
$500 Grants Support a Holistic Approach to Learning
The four $500 grants were awarded to educators with projects that support student well-being and real-world connections.
- Rhea Butler from Success Academy West in Baltimore City will establish a “Wholeness Room” to serve as a safe space for students and staff.
- Melissa Berardelli of C. Milton Wright High School in Harford County will use motion analysis and data science to connect algebra to real-world applications.
- Lindsey Gilmour at Hall’s Cross Roads Elementary in Harford County will create take-home learning kits for students with individualized education programs (IEPs).
- Michelle Curry of Patterson Mill High School will build a more tactile and engaging pre-school space for her early childhood education students.
“Each of these educators has taken a bold idea and transformed it into an opportunity to inspire, empower, and support their students,” said Mike MacPherson, president and CEO of Freedom Federal Credit Union.
The event featured remarks from Baltimore County Councilman David Marks and Dr. Eric Davis, Deputy Superintendent for Operations at Harford County Public Schools, who both praised the credit union for its partnership with local schools.
