YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Diocese of Youngstown’s Office of Catholic Schools has announced the 2025 winners of the Golden Apple Award.
The award honors outstanding individuals who teach or are an administrator in Catholic schools.
To be eligible for the award, individuals must be a full-time teacher or administrator who has been at their current school for at least three full years. They must provide evidence of professional development, commitment to students and the school, leadership qualities, service to the church and community, teaching skills and being a role model as a Catholic educator.
A selection process at the school and diocesan level was used to determine the awardees. This year’s winners are:
- Cynthia Lindsey, teacher at St. Michael Elementary School, Canton.
- Jamie Sklenar, teacher at John F. Kennedy School Lower Campus, Warren.
- Alaina Chepke, teacher at St. Rose Elementary School, Girard.
- Jane Vogel, teacher at St. Peter Elementary School, Canton.
- Renee Illa, teacher at St. Patrick Elementary School, Kent.
- Michele Vargo, teacher at St. Christine Elementary School, Youngstown.
- Dan Mitchell, principal of St. Joan of Arc Elementary School, Canton.
The winners will receive an unrestricted cash award of $5,000, a certificate, a Golden Apple paperweight and a Golden Apple lapel pin. The prizes will be awarded at a prayer service and award ceremony May 5 at the Youngstown Country Club.