The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools recently announced the 37th Annual Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Program finalists, and one island educator made the list for the first time.

Comprised of community and business leaders, the foundation’s Golden Apple Selection Committee is charged with the task of picking the recipients as the applications are narrowed down to 30 finalists.

“All of these exemplary professionals represent the outstanding teachers who work, day in and day out, to make sure our community’s greatest asset, our students, achieve at their highest potential,” foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Marshall T. Bower said. “Our community is indebted to them.”

Among this year’s finalists is middle school teacher Alexis Camputaro of The Sanibel School.

As part of the process, dozens of Golden Apple Teachers of Distinction are also recognized. Sanibel school elementary music teacher and Music Department Director Joseph Giangreco is a recipient.

Camputaro was a Teacher of Distinction last year for the first time.

“It’s such an honor to represent The Sanibel School and to be a potential third winner from the school,” she said of being a finalist this year, pointing to Stephanie Yanik last year and her own husband, Joseph Camputaro, in 2021. “It says a lot about our school to have such a good representation for such a small school on this high of a level.”

The 2023-24 school year marks her seventh year on the island. Camputaro is teaching English Language Arts to grades 6-8 this year. Prior to that, she taught second grade and third grade.

Previously, Camputaro taught second and first grades at Ray V. Pottorf Elementary School and fifth grade at Manatee Elementary, both located in Fort Myers. She has been with the School District of Lee County for 13 years, and she holds a Bachelor of Arts in education from Michigan State University.

“It is such a special year for me,” Camputaro said. “I feel such a calling this year.”

She explained that she has been certified in language arts since graduating from Michigan State. Following the pandemic and Hurricane Ian, Camputaro felt that the students needed a familiar face.

“It’s been awesome because I had these kids before when I taught third grade,” she said, noting that it has enabled her to further develop those relationships with them. “I think we have a unique bond.”

“I’m so glad I’m a finalist this year and I get to share it with my kids,” Camputaro added.

She thanked the Sanibel school’s administration for being very supportive and community-centered. Camputaro also thanked her husband, noting that his support also comes being a teacher himself.

“It’s nice to have a spouse in the same field,” she said. “Somebody who really gets me.”

Camputaro expressed her appreciation for the middle school team at the school.

“What has really helped me this year has been a great middle school team,” she said. “They have really been awesome with their support and me joining them this year, so I really want to thank my team.”

Camputaro called it an honor to be with the other educators who are finalists.

“I’m grateful to the foundation,” she said. “It’s really such a positive and impactful program.”

The finalists will be interviewed and observed in their classrooms by the selection committee, and six will be selected for the Golden Apple Award. The winners will be honored at the Golden Apple Teacher Recognition Banquet in April at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center & Amphitheater in Fort Myers.

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37TH ANNUAL GOLDEN APPLE AWARD FINALISTS

– Melissa Bailey, of Bonita Springs High School

– Christine Bartz, of Pine Island Elementary School

– Janet Bernard, of Harns Marsh Middle School

– Dr. Katherine Callard, of Dr. Carrie D. Robinson Littleton Elementary School

– Alexis Camputaro, of The Sanibel School

– Chelsea Chase, of Bayshore Elementary School

– Paul Chilson, of Pinewoods Elementary School

– Suzanne Garrett, of Veterans Park Academy for the Arts

– John Gibson, of Bonita Springs Elementary School

– Valerie Goyette, of G. Weaver Hipps Elementary School

– Jaime Hill, of Oak Hammock Middle School

– Elizabeth Jimerson, of Patriot Elementary School

– Allison Kerner, of Harns Marsh Middle School

– Sara Kizzire, of Lehigh Senior High School

– Jill Klausing, of Dunbar High School

– Janelle Laux, of North Fort Myers High School

– Jessica Lisi, of Tanglewood Elementary School

– Bianca McGinley, of Harns Marsh Middle School

– Jamie Miller, of Harns Marsh Middle School

– Barry Miller, of Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School

– Meredith Molseed, of Harns Marsh Middle School

– Tiffany Moore, of Caloosa Elementary School

– Christopher Morales, of Fort Myers High School

– Leanne Olmstead, of Ida S. Baker High School

– Jennie Rimes, of Gateway High School

– Krista Rivera, of Gulf Elementary School

– Michelle Smith, of Lehigh Senior High School

– Maria Stone, of Harns Marsh Elementary School

– Sarah Thornburg, of Cypress Lake High School

– Christine Zwaan, of Skyline Elementary School

Source: The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools