The Golden Apple Awards is returning this year, with public & private school educators set to be recognised by their peers, friends and students at the gala event at The Ritz Carlton on Saturday, 26th May.

The Golden Apple Awards was first introduced in 2007 in partnership with the Ministry of Education, with the event running every year until 2013. Now, in 2018, and with education a key focus of the Chamber’s advocacy agenda, the event has returned.

“It’s very important that we acknowledge excellence among our educators and the outstanding work they do. In addition to addressing the longer term policy issues to continuously improve our education framework, its also important that as a country we recognise the hard-work and commitment of educators in helping our children to develop into the leaders of tomorrow,” says President Paul Byles.

“We are incredibly excited for the return of this event. We want to start acknowledging those in our community who aren’t praised enough. Last year we did this for our membership with the introduction of the Business Excellence Awards, and this year we want to do the same for our teachers,” he said.

“We received tremendous sponsorship support from the business community at our previous events and I am confident that they will rally behind this year’s Golden Apple awards again to demonstrate their support for our educators”, Mr. Byles continued.

Minister for Education, the Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly expressed her delight for the programme’s return, stating: “It is important that, as a community, we ensure that the teaching profession is appreciated and valued. The Golden Apple Awards programme is an established and respected means of recognition that will help promote the value of this most noble career. I thank the Chamber of Commerce for championing this programme, and I am happy to pledge the Ministry of Education’s support for this worthwhile initiative.”

Nominations will be accepted until 23rd March. Nominees must be full-time educators or principals currently working in a public or private school. There are five different categories for parents, students, graduates, fellow teachers and members of the public for nominations, including:
* Primary School Teacher (Public School)
* Primary School Teacher (Private School)
* High School Teacher (Public School)
* High School Teacher (Private School)
• Principal (Public or Private School)
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Nomination forms will be available at all schools and online at www.caymanchamber.ky. Alternatively, you can request a physical form by emailing [email protected] or collecting one from the Chamber’s offices in Governors Square between 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Businesses or organisations interested in helping to support can call 743-9129 or email [email protected] for further information.