Golden Apple Awards

The Golden Apple Awards are the Sunnyside School District's highest honor for employees. Nominated by and selected by fellow staff members, recipients are presented with their Golden Apple at the annual Staff Welcome Back Rally prior to the start of school.

The nominations are currently being accepted. Nominations may be submitted by any of the following: staff, students, former students, parents, administrators, or community members. Individuals may not nominate themselves or immediate family members, which includes spouses, children, or in-laws. 

Winners of the Golden Apple Awards must demonstrate dedication to children and education. They must have a reputation for professionalism and have the respect of both staff and students. The award winners will constantly go out of their way to help others and consistently look for new ways to positively influence the lives of children.

Nominations must be submitted using our online nomination form. Nominations must include the following: A fully completed nomination form, including the name of the nominee, his/her school building, grade level, subjects taught or duties performed, nominator's name and phone number, one paragraph regarding the nominee's school-related responsibilities and contributions and one paragraph explaining why your nominee is deserving of recognition. The form will close on April 28, 2023.

Congratulations to the 2022 Golden Apple Recipients! Take a few moments to look through the list of Golden Apple Recipients from 2011 forward.

Enrique Puente (Extracurricular Staff of the Year, Varsity Basketball)
Tony Bravo (School Support Staff of the Year, IT Department)
Kacey Soto (Administrator of the Year, Sun Valley Elementary)
Paula Bailes (Specialist of the Year, Pioneer Elementary)
Aletha Dahlstrom (Para Educator of the Year, Sunnyside High School)
Ryan Cullen (High School Teacher of the Year, Sunnyside High School)
Sarah Olson (Elementary Teacher of the Year, Sun Valley Elementary)
Francisco Ramirez (Student Support Staff of the Year, Sunnyside High School)
Johnny Medrano (Substitute Teacher of the Year, Washington Elementary)
Elizabeth Garcia (Middle School Teacher of the Year, Harrison Middle School)
Ivy Weets (Office Staff of the Year, HR Department)
Kristine Diddens (Office Staff of the Year, HR Department)
Araceli Ledesma (Office Staff of the Year, HR Department)
Johanna Visser (Office Staff of the Year, HR Department)
Brenda Meyer (Office Staff of the Year, HR Department), 
Laura Rice (Office Staff of the Year, HR Department)
Kathy Hurst (Office Staff of the Year, HR Department)
Teresa Johnson (Office Staff of the Year, HR Department)