Contact: Nancy Schopf, (920)593-3413
 
Green Bay, Wis.¬- (March 24 2009) –  The Golden Apple Awards slated for April 22, 2009, at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center in Green Bay are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate quality education by recognizing high standards of professionalism, leadership and innovation in teaching. But did you know the awards event is also crucial to the yearlong programming in the Greater Green Bay Area offered by Partners in Education, the educational arm of the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce?

Funds from the Golden Apple event fund programming efforts that include:
• decreasing the school absenteeism rate in schools;
• advocating for school-readiness and work-readiness standards;
• awarding technical college scholarships, post-secondary scholarships to at-risk enrollees tracked since grade 5 and Drug/Alcohol-Free Scholarships;
• training 29 sophomores for leadership roles through Brown County Teen Leadership;
• helping thousands of students explore future career options;
• preparing students in 15 industry areas through Youth Apprenticeship;
• supporting parents with Parent Network Grants, financial aid seminars and family activities such as the Great Paper Airplane Toss and U.S. Bank Eve.

These are just a few of the many ways Partners in Education contributes to the Greater Green Bay community.

Partners in Education is a unique community collaborative started by community visionaries in 1992. This year Partners in Education is remembering its founders, especially Donald Long, with its, “For all of our founders, let’s continue pulling together for our future….” campaign theme. Don died last May; however, he gave generously of his time and was dedicated to his community. Don, founder of Imperial Supplies, played a prominent role in creating Partners in Education, notably the Golden Apple Awards. 

By being a partner in Education and attending the Golden Apple Awards Dinner, you can ensure the efforts of Partners in Education working with the 10 area school districts to provide a link between businesses, educators, and community organizations will continue.  In the process, you will help students develop the skills necessary for successful transition from school to career.

At the Golden Apple Award night’s festivities, seven recipients will be honored during the televised Golden Apple Awards Program on FOX 11, awarded $2,000 and receive lifelong membership in the Golden Apple Academy. Academy members work with future educators to advance the profession of teaching and deepen the learning of students. 

2009 recipients include: 

• Individuals—Ron Huisheere, Green Bay Franklin Middle School; Karen Janke, Green Bay Washington Middle School; Chad McAllister, Howard-Suamico Bay Port High School; Rena Kyles, Green Bay Beaumont Elementary School; Sara Malchow, Pulaski Glenbrook School;
• Teams—Jenny Wassenberg & Chad Federman, West De Pere Phantom Knight School of Opportunity; Kelly Schweda & Marie Sauvey, Green Bay Chappell Elementary 4th/5th Grade Team. 

You can purchase tables and tickets for the event individually, or receive tickets as part of a Partners in Education membership package. To learn more, or to purchase tickets or a membership, please contact Schopf at (920) 593-3413 or schopf@titletown.org.
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Established in 1882, the mission of the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is to promote economic and community development. Chamber programs include Advance, Partners in Education, Leadership Green Bay, Brown County Teen Leadership, Current--the Young Professionals Network, Good Government Council, the International Business Development Consortium and the Small Business Council.
For more information about the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and its programs, call 437-8704 or visit www.titletown.org.
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