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

According to a news release, the annual award honors and recognizes teachers who exemplify excellence in their profession as well as those who leave a lasting positive impact on their students. The HPCF Golden Apple Award will be presented in the spring of 2026 to a teacher in grades pre-K-5 who demonstrates these qualities.

“Each year, we honor an exemplary educator with the prestigious HPCF Golden Apple Award,” Sara Sher, Chair of the HPCF Golden Apple Committee, said in the release. “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.”

Nominations for the HPCF Golden Apple Award will be accepted from full-time teachers currently working in the North Shore School District 112, in grades pre-K through 5, according to the release. Community members, students, parents, colleagues, and administrators are invited to submit nominations; however, nominations from family members and self-nominations will not be accepted. To nominate an educator, please visit: https://www.hpcfil.org

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/09/05/highland-park-community-foundation-golden-apple/