When a contingent of people wearing gold coats walked into Jana Holland's third-grade classroom at Greensview Elementary School one day last week, she learned she would win the same award her mother had years ago.
The members of the Upper Arlington Civic Association were there to surprise Holland with a Golden Apple Award, one of 13 handed out this year to educators in the public school district as well as at the Wellington School, St. Agatha School, St. Andrew School and St. Andrew Preschool in Upper Arlington.
Holland's mother, Rebecca May, a retired teacher from Tremont Elementary School, also received a Golden Apple Award during her career.
The annual awards have been a tradition since 1981 when the UACA began recognizing outstanding educators who are nominated by students and parents.
Holland was honored for serving on building and district committees and for creating a "warm and inviting" classroom that prominently features student artwork.
"I am so thrilled to receive a Golden Apple," she said. "It feels special to be a part of this tradition and I am grateful to UACA for honoring teachers in our community."
Holland, an elementary school teacher for 20 years, has been at Greensview since 2001.
"I am passionate about teaching because I truly love being with the kids every day and watching them grow, learn and make connections," she said. "I believe that teaching is such a team effort and I'm lucky to spend my days with exceptional colleagues, parents and students."
Chrys Beebe, UACA second-year director for the Golden Apple awards, said Holland's commitment in the classroom and to putting in extra work for her students and the community is indicative of each of this year's winners.
She said organizers were pleased with the public participation this year as the city celebrates its 100th birthday.
"We surprise all of the educators at each building," Beebe said. "Being the centennial year, we really wanted to have as many votes as we could get.
"We had 718, which is a record number of votes for the Golden Apple."
The UACA has honored more than 400 teachers over the years for "helping to shape the community," UACA President Steve Blunk said as directors visited Holland's classroom April 19.
Beebe said Golden Apple Award can be presented to anyone "from a resource officer, to a librarian, to a custodian, teachers, administrators -- anyone that's deserving of the award.
"It's such a great honor to say 'thank you' because we know that the schools are what make UA extra special," she said. "We want to make it a big year this year for UA's centennial."
In addition to Holland, this year's Golden Apple Award winners are:
* Janielle McKee, first- and second-grade teacher in the informal program at Barrington Elementary.
* Bobby Huffman, intervention specialist at Tremont Elementary.
* Julie Eirich, first-grade teacher at Wickliffe Progressive Elementary.
* Shannon Hemmelgarn, media specialist at Windermere Elementary.
* Kyle Evans, intervention specialist at Hastings Middle School.
* Josh Clemmons, eighth-grade science teacher at Jones Middle School.
* Adele Vergis, social-studies teacher at Upper Arlington High School.
* Kris Pellisier, interim director of St. Andrew Preschool.
* Marianne Murphy, fifth-grade math and science teacher at St. Andrew School
* Tracy Rowland, second-grade teacher St. Agatha School
* Drew Eberly, Upper School English teacher at the Wellington School.
* Kevin Gorman, director of student services for the Upper Arlington district and who received the UACA's Golden Apple Centennial Celebration Award.
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