In 2019, Golden Apple will honor Illinois high school teachers with the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching and one or more school leaders (principals/heads of school) with the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership in honor of Stanley C. Golder. Nominations are now being accepted statewide
The Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching & Leadership was the idea of Golden Apple founder Martin J. (Mike) Koldyke, who felt that excellent teachers did not receive adequate recognition for their contributions to building a stronger, better-educated society.