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UACA Golden Apple Awards honor staff members in UA Schools
Eight teachers, a school nurse and a bus driver for Upper Arlington Schools have been selected as 2019 Golden Apple Award winners by the Upper Arlington Civic Association.

Each spring, UACA recognizes outstanding staff members at Upper Arlington’s public and private schools. UACA directors solicit and review public nominations, then select a deserving staff member in each school. This year, UACAA received more than 500 nominations.

Congratulations to the 2019 Golden Apple Award winners!
 
Blair Cerny with her students

Blair Cerny, Greensview Elementary School

Cerny teaches first grade at Greensview. She is in her 15th year in education, her fifth year with Upper Arlington Schools and her third year at Greensview.

“Greensview is such an incredible place to work. The students, their families, the staff … I am truly lucky to be part of it all!”
 
Amalee Dahman and family with UACA directors

Amalee Dahman, Tremont Elementary School

Dahman teaches second grade at Tremont. She is in her ninth year of teaching and second year with Upper Arlington Schools and Tremont.

“I struck gold getting in to Upper Arlington, and I promise and know I will never leave this district. I am so incredibly proud to be a part of such a supportive and inclusive community.”
 
A student hugging Molly Hinkle while others look on

Molly Hinkle, Barrington Elementary School

Hinkle teaches in a 3/4 classroom in the Informal Program at Barrington. She is in her 33rd year of teaching and 25th year in Upper Arlington. This is her fourth year at Barrington.

“I am so fortunate to teach in Upper Arlington. We have amazing support from our parents, and I am surrounded by colleagues who care about children and are masterful teachers. The Barrington community is positive, creative and encouraging. I couldn't ask to work in a better place!” 
 
Philip Lampe with a class of students

Philip Lampe, Upper Arlington High School
 
Lampe is a chemistry teacher at the high school. He is in his 35th year of teaching at the high school.

“I'm so grateful to have had the privilege of working with such great kids and co-educators!”
 
Debbi Martin

Debbi Martin, Burbank Early Childhood School
 
Martin is a teacher in the ESC program at Burbank. This is her 30th year of teaching and 23rd year with the ESC program at Burbank.

“I have had the honor of working with so many gifted teachers, therapists and UA Intervention staff over the years. The staff at BECS have been great to work with as well. The best part of my job is building relationships with the families and watching their child grow and develop.   I love it when they come back and visit or I see them out in the community.”
 
Jane Mead

Jane Mead, Jones Middle School

Mead is the school nurse at Jones. She has been working as a nurse in the district since 2000 — next year will be her 20th year with the district.  Fun fact: She also is a graduate of Jones!

“It never ceases to amaze me the quality of the teachers, staff, and support staff that we have here at Jones.  It inspires me everyday to be the best school nurse I can be. I’m honored to get a Golden Apple Award.  It has been one of the more memorable experiences of my life.”
 
Brad Piunno

Brad Piunno, Hastings Middle School

Piunno is a math teacher at Hastings. He has been a teacher for 10 years and has been with the district for seven years. He previously was a paraprofessional as well.

“I can’t imagine working with any other group of teachers. We not only work closely together as an 8th grade team but are great friends. I get to work with the most caring people and most amazing group of students.  It’s an honor to work in Upper Arlington.”
 
Randy Saxour

Randy Saxour, Transportation Department

Saxour has been a bus driver for 43 years. This is his ninth year with Upper Arlington Schools, and he shared that former Transportation Director Jason Sherman — who rode his bus as a child — recruited him to come to UA. 

“I enjoy every minute of being a part of the UA community. I have the greatest children and parents in the world, and enjoy driving academic and athletic field trips. I have always said when it becomes a job I will retire!”
 
Krista Walther

Krista Walther, Windermere Elementary School

Walther is a first grade teacher at Windermere. This is her 20th year of teaching — and, as she shared, “I am extremely lucky to have only taught in UA!” She’s been at Windermere for 19 of those years.

“I am beyond blessed to be part of the Windermere community as both a teacher and parent … Every single teacher at Windermere works tirelessly to do what's best for children, and because of that,  Windermere is an incredible school that I am lucky to be part of it.”
 
Kelly Wlodarski

Kelly Wlodarski, Wickliffe Progressive Elementary School

Wlodarski is a kindergarten teacher at Wickliffe. This is her eighth year of teaching and first year in UA at Wickliffe.

“This is truly an honor, and I am humbled by this recognition.  I am fortunate that every day I can follow my passion for learning and growing alongside such amazing children, caring families and exceptional educators at Wickliffe.  I am beyond grateful to be a member of this incredible community.”