Golden Apple Recognition
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education bestows Golden Apple Awards to District employees, volunteers and community organizations that go to extra lengths to support and advance education. Recipients are honored at a school board meeting with a proclamation and an engraved apple award.
District employees, parents, school board members, volunteers, and community members are eligible to make nominations for the award. Please complete a nomination form, write a detailed letter explaining why you believe the nominee is deserving of special recognition, and return your nomination to:
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Communications Department
148 N. Binkley Street
Soldotna, Alaska 99669
Fax: 262-9645
Email:
communications@KPBSD.org
Past Golden Apple Award recipients:
1996-97 |
1997-98 |
1998-99 |
1999-00 |
2000-01 |
2001-02 |
2002-03 |
2003-04 |
2004-05
2005-06 |
2006-07 |
2007-08|
2008-09 |
2009-10|
2010-11|
2011-12 |
2012-13 |
2013-14 |
2014-15
2020-2021 |
|
|
Mrs. Wendy Bryden, Volunteer
|
Ms. Susanna LaRock |
|
Ms. Judy Cox, Substitute Teacher
|
Kim Bates, and Mountain View ELementary staff |
|
Ms. Krista Etzwiler, Educator
|
Principal Eric Waltenbaugh, West Homer Elementary |
2019-2020 |
|
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Ms. Red A Martin, Volunteer
|
Principal Eric Pederson, Paul Banks Elementary |
|
Mrs. Sharon Hale, Library Aide
|
Stephanie Belger |
|
Ms. Margaret Griffin, School Counselor
|
Megan Murphy |
|
Mrs. Lynn Rickert |
Principal Denise Kelly on behalf of Sterling Elementary School |
|
The Honorable Mike Chenault |
Sean Dusek, Superintendent of Schools |
|
The Honorable Paul Seaton |
Sean Dusek, Superintendent of Schools |
2018-2019 |
|
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Mr. David Justice, Educator |
Esther and Greg Landeis |
2017-2018 |
|
|
Miss Heleana Backus, Student |
Amanda Adams, Meredith McCullough, educators; Trevan Walker, principal |
|
Mrs. Nancy Kleine, School Principal |
Conrad Woodhead, Chapman principal, Native Education Program Coordinator |
|
Mrs. Tracy Silta, Nurse |
James Knoebel, Special Education Department Chair, Soldotna High School |
|
Devin Michel Way, Educator |
Nancy Kleine, Principal of Nanwalek and Port Graham schools |
|
Mayor Mike Navarre, Community Member |
Sean Dusek, Superintendent of Schools |
| |
|
2016-2017 |
|
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Mrs. Jeanne Duhan, Educator |
Jonathan Dillon and Kent Peterson |
|
Stephanie Young, Community Partner |
Paul Banks Elementary School Staff |
|
Laura Johnson, Volunteer |
Susanna LaRock, Cooper Landing School Secretary |
|
Julieanne Super, Volunteer |
Ms. Kari Dendurent, principal, on behalf of Homer Middle School |
| |
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2015-2016 |
|
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Magpye's Pizzeria, Business |
Denise Kelly, principal, on behalf of Sterling Elementary School |
|
David Thomas, Volunteer |
Vaughn Dosko, principal, on behalf of Kenai Middle School |
|
Jean Calhoun, Secretary |
Laura Peek, Lisa Whip, Shellie Worsfold and WHE staff |
|
Linda "Grandma" Reinhart, Volunteer |
Eric Pederson, principal, on behalf of Paul Banks Elementary staff |
|
Linda Brady, Educator |
Conrad Woodhead, on behalf of Chapman School staff |
|
Clayton Smith, Special Education Paraprofessional |
Monica Stockburger and Trina Uvaas |
|
Lisa Green, Volunteer |
Douglas W. Hayman, on behalf of the Tustumena Elementary staff and community |
|
Patrick Dwyer, Educator |
Sarge Truesdell |
| |
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2013-2014 |
|
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Mike Petersen, Community Member |
Tim Vlasak |
|
Kim Reierson, Community Member |
Trevan Walker |
|
Delores Benner, "Grandma Dee", Community Member |
Bill Vedders |
|
Barbara Ralston, Teacher |
Norma J. Holmgaard |
|
Brenda Ratky, "Grandma Brenda", Community Member |
Bill Vedders |
|
Joe and Terese Kashi, Community Members |
Sean Dusek |
|
Yolanda Schrader, EEL Tutor |
Hannah Toporek |
|
Eric Soderquist, KPBSD Programmer and Analyst |
KPBSD IT Department |
|
Elizabeth Wilson, Community Member |
Fran Stetson |
| |
|
2008-2009 |
|
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Roger Steinbrecher, Coach |
Seward High School |
|
Daniel Krier, Athletic Director/Teacher |
Seward High School |
|
Sally Tachick, Administrative Assistant |
School Board/Superintendent |
|
Carmen Stephl, Parent/Teacher/Student Association |
Soldotna High School |
|
Fran Stetson, Special Education Teacher |
Soldotna High School |
|
Ria Fandel, Student Nutrition Services |
Soldotna High School |
|
Marilyn Dvorak, Custodian |
Homer Flex School |
|
Laureen Wentz, Aide |
Homer Flex School |
|
Laura Norton, Secretary |
Homer Flex School |
|
Nancy Vait, Teacher |
Homer Flex School |
|
Carole Nolden, Secretary |
Kenai Middle School |
|
Terri Woodward, Head Custodian |
Skyview High School |
|
Parents Advocating Recreational Kids Stuff (PARKS) |
Seward Community Organization |
|
Laura Sheldon, Secretary |
McNeil Canyon Elementary |
|
De Patch, Teacher |
McNeil Canyon Elementary |
|
Dale and Rhoda Dolifka |
Skyview High School Parent Volunteers |
| |
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2006-2007 |
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| Anita Byers, food services |
Soldotna High School |
|
Jerry Byrne, teacher |
Ninilchick School |
|
Debbie Carroll, PTA, volunteer |
Soldotna Elementary School |
|
Martha Fleming, counselor |
Seward High School |
|
Sharon Geeslin, retired secretary |
Community volunteer |
|
Wally Hufford, speech pathologist |
Nikiski North Star, Middle-High Schools |
|
Jim Legner, technology coordinator |
Pupil Services |
|
Travis Moore, PTA, volunteer |
Nikiski North Star Elementary School |
|
Colleen Sinnott, teacher |
Tustumena Elementary School |
|
Jane Stein, site council |
Soldotna Elementary School |
| |
|
2004-2005 |
|
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Thelma Antila, Scott Earsley, Marlys Verba, volunteers |
Aspirations Advocate Program/Skyview High School |
|
Tanya Boedeker, teacher advisor |
Connections Homeschool Program |
|
Diane Bush, volunteer |
Redoubt Elementary School |
|
Acela Carr, custodian |
Homer Middle School |
|
Linda Cusack, volunteer |
Soldotna schools |
|
Neldon Gardner, teacher, coach |
Soldotna Middle School |
|
Jean Gdula, secretary |
Kalifornsky Beach Elementary School |
|
Kathy Gensel, volunteer |
Central Kenai Peninsula schools |
|
METCO, Inc., business |
Seward |
|
Connie Miller, manager |
KPBSD ELL Program |
|
Tonia Parlow, teacher |
Homer Middle School |
|
Harry Rasmussen, teacher |
Homer Flex School |
|
Bob Simcoe, custodian |
Homer Middle School |
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Soldotna United Methodist Church, Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church, volunteers |
Kenai Alternative School breakfast program |
|
Larry Streiff, custodian |
Soldotna Middle School |
|
Jeff Szarzi, teacher |
Homer Flex School |
|
Mim Updike, volunteer |
Kalifornsky Beach Elementary |
| |
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2003-2004 |
|
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Palmer Bailey, volunteer |
Nikolaevsk School |
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Kelly Bishop, special education aide |
Kenai Alternative School |
|
Carol Butler, custodian |
Skyview High School |
|
Bernie Clark, teacher |
Ninilchik School |
|
Janet Clark, secretary |
Ninilchik School |
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Judge Charles Cranston, volunteer |
Kenai Central High/Kenai Youth Court |
|
Jean Dixon, teacher |
Kenai Middle School |
|
Virginia Espenshade, volunteer |
Homer schools |
|
Cindy Fusaro, secretary |
Kenai Middle School |
|
Paul Gavenus, volunteer |
Homer schools |
|
Candy Goldstein, teacher |
Redoubt Elementary School |
|
Connie Jung, secretary |
Kenai Central High School |
|
Lana King, payroll specialist |
KPBSD |
|
Judy Klunder, teacher |
Tustumena Elementary School |
|
Dan Leman, volunteer, coach |
Ninilchik School |
|
Jimmy Love, payroll specialist |
KPBSD |
|
Jamie Moore, accounting specialist |
KPBSD |
|
Carol Morris, grants secretary |
KPBSD |
|
Lassie Nelson, secretary |
KPBSD |
|
Laurie Olson, accountant |
KPBSD |
|
Jill Ramponi, teacher |
Soldotna High School |
|
Guyline Rogers, custodian |
West Homer Elementary School |
|
Nan Spooner, transportation coordinator |
KPBSD |
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Debbie Tressler, secretary |
Kalifornsky Beach Elementary School |
|
Matt Walton, teacher |
Soldotna High School |
| |
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2002-2003 |
|
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Jackie Ansotegui, volunteer |
Kalifornsky Beach Elementary School |
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Lolita Brache, volunteer |
Homer Flex School |
|
Amy Budge, teacher |
McNeil Canyon Elementary School |
|
Dan Gensel, sports coordinator |
KSRM Radio |
|
Shirley Gifford, site council |
Soldotna High School |
|
Guy Hayes, volunteer |
Soldotna Middle School |
|
Mae Hughes, volunteer |
Sears Elementary School |
|
Bekkie Jackson, nurse |
Sears Elementary School |
| Theresa Kiffmeyer, teacher specialist |
KPBSD |
|
Linell McCrum, teacher |
Kalifornsky Beach Elementary School |
|
Pat Nolden, teacher |
Soldotna High School |
| Kimb Remsen, secretary |
Sears Elementary School |
|
Lynne Sandahl, human resources analyst |
KPBSD |
|
Jeff Sinz, finance director |
Kenai Peninsula Borough |
| Debbie Stewart, recruitment |
KPBSD |
|
Mark Tuter, coach/Community Schools coordinator |
Soldotna High School |
|
Sharon Whytal, volunteer |
Homer Flex School |
| |
|
2001-2002 |
|
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Lisa Bote-Phillips, special education aide |
Kenai Central High School |
|
Dan Calhoun, teacher |
Homer Middle School |
|
Wayne Clark, retired teacher |
Homer Middle, High Schools |
|
Michelle Gabriel, secretary |
Soldotna Elementary School |
|
Darrell Hagen, teacher |
Soldotna Middle School |
|
Patrick Hickey, assistant superintendent of operations |
KPBSD |
|
Pam Howard, school nurse |
Kenai Middle School |
|
Mary Kennedy, volunteer |
Nikiski Middle-High School |
|
Mark Leal, director of assessment |
Alaska Department of Education and Early Development |
|
Jon Lillevik, counselor |
Kenai Central High School |
|
Sherry Matson, teacher |
North Star Elementary School |
|
Angela McKinney, volunteer |
Chapman School |
|
Deborah Meganack, site council |
Port Graham School |
|
Margot Mondari, secretary |
Razdolna, Kachemak Selo Schools |
|
Patty Rich, custodian |
Soldotna Elementary School |
|
Soldotna High School PTSA |
Soldotna High School |
|
Soldotna Trustworthy Hardware, business |
Kenai Peninsula schools |
|
Spenard Builders Supply |
Kenai Peninsula schools |
|
Jane Symens, volunteer |
Chapman School |
|
Indy Walton, teacher |
Skyview High School |
| |
|
2000-2001 |
|
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John Andrews, events coordinator |
Alaska Schools Activities Association |
|
Phil Biggs, technology coordinator |
KPBSD |
|
Cathy Brothen, teacher advisor |
Connections |
| John Christensen, teacher |
Soldotna Middle School |
|
Ria Fandel, kitchen managers |
Soldotna High School |
|
David Henson, programmer/analyst |
Data processing |
|
Marilee Johansen, kitchen manager |
Nikiski Elementary, Middle-High Schools |
| Holly Klier, secretary |
Soldotna Middle School |
|
Karen Lechner, food services manager |
Seward schools |
|
Ceil Manchester, school nurse |
Paul Banks Elementary School |
| Ted Notter, programmer |
Data processing |
|
Peninsula Clarion, business |
Kenai Peninsula |
|
Paula Setterquist, volunteer |
Homer schools |
|
Cindy Smith, kitchen manager |
Homer High School |
|
Caroline Venuti, teacher |
West Homer Elementary |
| |
|
1999-2000 |
|
| Joe Arness, retiring board member |
KPBSD |
| Sally Burns, tutor |
Paul Banks Elementary |
| Lynn Dusek, teacher |
Redoubt Elementary School |
| Sean Dusek, teacher |
Soldotna Middle School |
| Buck George, custodian |
Soldotna High School |
| Patti Glaze, tutor |
North Star Elementary |
| Beth Kellie, volunteer |
|
| David McCard, teacher |
Sterling Elementary School |
| Pauline Mills, secretary |
Tustumena Elementary School |
| Loraine Murphy, teacher |
Homer High School |
| Brad Nyquist, teacher |
Kenai Middle School |
| Lynette Pattison, volunteer |
|
| Susie Peterson, custodian |
Homer High School |
| Bruce Rife, teacher |
Soldotna High School |
| Mark Robinson, teacher |
Homer High School |
| William Searle, teacher |
Homer High School |
| Tina Stamer, tutor, technology |
North Star Elementary |
| John Standifer, custodian |
Tyonek |
| Karen Standifer, food service manager |
Tyonek |
| Suzanne Stansberry, teacher |
Tyonek |
| Fran Stetson, teacher |
Tustumena Elementary School |
| Sharon Traughber, secretary |
Nikiski Middle-High School |
| Celiene Turner, custodian |
Moose Pass |
| Jim White, director, information services |
KPBSD |
| Wayne Young, principal/teacher |
Port Graham |
| |
|
1998-1999 |
|
| Donna Austin, teacher |
Chapman School |
| Dave Carey, teacher |
Skyview High School |
| Stan Eller, teacher |
Homer High School |
| Clark Fair, teacher |
Skyview High School |
| Dan Gensel, teacher |
Soldotna High School |
| Joanie Goodman, volunteer |
|
| Trish Hallett, teacher |
Soldotna Middle School |
| Jacquie Imle, principal |
Sears Elementary School |
| Renee Jahnke, teacher |
Paul Banks Elementary School |
| Joan Kimball, secretary |
Nikiski Elementary School |
| Erin Knotek, volunteer |
|
| Jill Kriens, teacher |
Paul Banks Elementary School |
| Brad Langvardt, custodian |
Kenai Middle School |
| Stuart Laurion, special education aide |
Soldotna High School |
| Cindy Litzenberger, teacher |
Soldotna Middle School |
| Deb Lowney, teacher |
Homer Middle School |
| Terry McBee, teacher |
Soldotna Middle School |
| Robin Nyce, school nurse |
Soldotna Elementary School |
| Ramona Paulk, food services |
Soldotna High School |
| Dave Paulsrud, custodian |
Chapman School |
| Bill Radtke, teacher |
Kenai Middle School |
| Sharon Radtke, administrator |
District Office |
| Barb Ralston, teacher |
Sears Elementary School |
| Bruce Rife, teacher |
Soldotna High School |
| Sharon Sauer, teacher |
Soldotna High School |
| Noreen Sullivan, teacher |
Soldotna High School |
| Ken Tarbox, volunteer |
|
| Debbie Turkington, secretary |
Paul Banks Elementary School |
| Terry Woodward, custodian |
Skyview High School |
| |
|
1997-1998 |
|
| Carol Bear, secretary |
Soldotna High School |
| David Boyle, teacher |
Soldotna Middle School |
| Patty Campbell, programmer |
Data processing |
| Paula Christensen, teacher |
Soldotna Middle School |
| Pat Dye, principal/teacher |
Cooper Landing School |
| Joyce Fischer, retired school board member |
KPBSD |
| Martin Galloway, custodian |
Soldotna Middle School |
| Phyllis Halstead, aide/secretary |
Kenai Alternative High School |
| Margaret Ladd, teacher |
West Homer Elementary School |
| Marnie Love, secretary |
Soldotna High School |
| Frances Norman, volunteer |
|
| Rosie Reeder, coordinator |
Soldotna Community Schools |
| DeEtta Scarborough, teacher |
Seward Elementary School |
| Dave Schmidt, teacher |
Soldotna Middle, Redoubt Elementary Schools |
| Sheryl Sotelo, teacher |
Kalifornsky Beach Elementary School |
| Rosanne VanRay, secretary |
Soldotna Middle School |
| |
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1996-1997 |
|
| Dall Homemakers, volunteers |
Cooper Landing School |
| Stan Eller, teacher |
Homer High School |
| Frank and Emily Fiala, volunteers |
|
| Peggy Rogers, volunteer |
|
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