Prince of Peace Teacher Selected as Golden Apple Award Finalist
Lake Villa, IL - Prince of Peace Catholic School, a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon school, announces that 7th grade teacher and junior high math and science teacher Tyra Stall has been has been chosen as a finalist for the 2017 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching. Mrs. Stall is one of 33 finalists throughout the Chicagoland area. This is the second Golden Apple nomination Prince of Peace School has received.
Golden Apple is a leading nonprofit committed to celebrating and developing great teachers who make life-changing differences in the lives of students. The awards recognize and honor outstanding teachers for their role in building a stronger, better-educated society. This year's finalists were selected from a pool of more than 600 nominations, and represent 4th-8th grade teachers throughout the Chicagoland area.
Mrs. Stall was honored at a ceremony that took place on March 4 at the Hilton Rosemont-Chicago-O'Hare to honor her accomplishments along with the other finalists'. She received a plaque from CEO Dominic Belmonte, as well as Academy and Board Members. Additionally Dr. Jim Rigg, Superintendent of the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools, was present at the ceremony.
Mrs. Stall joined the faculty in 2016, and brought an abundance of experience to Prince of Peace School. Over the past 15 years, she has taught biology, environmental science, math, science and more at both public and Catholic schools as well as a university and a college. Additionally, she has coached various athletic and academic teams, and helped implement GEMS (Growing in Engineering Math and Science), an after-school science program at Blessed Sacrament School in Morton, IL. Mrs. Stall received both her Masters and Bachelors of Science Degrees from Purdue University. At Prince of Peace, she is the faculty advisor for the Spirit Squad and the Girls on the Run program, and she co-coached the 6th grade girls' volleyball team.
"I am dedicated to middle school science because this is the turning point in many students' lives," she said. "During this age, students formulate their opinions about their STEM capabilities. I want to be there to make sure they have a positive experience and learn to love math and science."
"Since joining the Prince of Peace team, Tyra has significantly strengthened the junior high's STEM program. She is a strong educator with a unique understanding of middle school-aged students and how to best help them succeed. Tyra is an asset to our school and helps us continue our school's tradition of strong academics. We are proud of her for being named a finalist of the Golden Apple Awards," said Principal Bonnie Brown.
"I am very grateful to be on the list of finalists; however, I feel this nomination is a reflection of all of my peers at Prince of Peace. Prince of Peace is a highly collaborative learning environment. Our administration provides many opportunities for professional development and pedagogical exchange. Because of our small size, we are a very fluid learning community that can be innovative with educational approaches. My colleagues at POP are always there to encourage each other both personally and professionally. It is a true joy and privilege to work with such topnotch, dedicated educators."
Prince of Peace Catholic School is accepting registrations for grades preschool-8th. If you're interested in finding out more about the school, visit http://school.princeofpeacelv.org/.