Congratulations to the 12 Charlottesville City Schools teachers that won 2025-26 Golden Apple Awards!  

• Bruce Van Dyke, Automotive Service Technology Instructor, CATEC

• Justin Newberry, Social Science Teacher, Charlottesville High School

• Orawan Townsley, ESL Teacher, Charlottesville Middle School

• Amy Jones, Second Grade Teacher, Greenbrier Elementary School

• Allyson Athay-Barnes, Teacher, Hospital Education

• Colleen Bourgal, Fourth Grade Teacher, Jackson-Via Elementary School

• Nick Liles, Alternative Education Teacher, Lugo-McGinness Academy

• Katherine Plunkett, Media Specialist, Summit Elementary School

• Catherine Meaney, First Grade Teacher, Sunrise Elementary School

• Kristi Hartwell, Kindergarten Teacher, Tall Oaks Elementary School

• Alison Mutarelli, Fourth Grade Teacher, Trailblazer Elementary School

• Coby Whitaker, Sixth Grade Teacher, Walker Upper Elementary School

Nominated by members of their school communities, these teachers were selected for their ability to inspire a love of learning, set high expectations, respond to individual student needs, and foster meaningful connections with families. Each Golden Apple award winner also receives a $500 grant for their classroom, sponsored by Better Living Building Supply and Cabinetry. 

The 2025-26 Golden Apple Award recipients will be honored at a community celebration on April 29, 2026, in Lane Auditorium at the County Office Building, 401 McIntire Road in Charlottesville. The event will begin with a reception at 5 p.m., followed by a recognition ceremony.