Rhinelander PIE recognizes top 'Golden Apples'

Star Journal report

Five School District of Rhinelander teachers have been named as the first-ever Golden Apple Award winners. The award recognizes innovation and professionalism in local educators.

Rhinelander Partners in Education (PIE) launched the program earlier in the school year and received 19 nominations from parents, co-workers and others involved in education.

“It was an impressive lineup of educators that we were blessed with reviewing,” shares Ryan Zietlow, Rhinelander PIE board member. “The stories of impact they each made gave the committee a difficult decision on landing on the top five in our first year.”

Using the nominations, along with feedback from student and school administrators, the committee selected five educators:

• Angie Zastrow – YMCA Youth Development Center
• Kristin Guyette – Northwoods Community Elementary School
• Ann Edwards – Pelican Elementary School
• Kim Bowman – James Williams Middle School
• Taylor Kloehn – Rhinelander High School

Rhinelander PIE surprised the educators in their schools and presented them with a $250 gift. Golden Apple committee members included committee chair Ryan Zietlow, Rhinelander PIE president Amy Vanney, PIE member/representing Nicolet College Sarah Gruber, PIE member/representing Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce Lauren Sackett, retired educators Renee Tenderolt and Jon Koch, and incoming Nicolet College president Kate Ferrell.

Rhinelander PIE is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization comprised of area business, education and community leaders that strives to connect the community, businesses and students together in a collaborative approach.