Each year the Wapato School Board recognizes outstanding school district employees through its ”Golden Apple Award” program.   This award is an important recognition of the extraordinary contributions District employees have made to the betterment and the advancement of the Wapato School District, its students and the Wapato Community.

Anyone (staff, student, parent, administrator, patron, stakeholder, etc.) can submit a nomination and any current full-time or part-time Wapato School District employee can be nominated for a Golden Apple Award.  Your nominee should exemplify the standards and core values that the District has identified as important.  Only completed nomination forms will be considered.

The Board will traditionally begins accepting nominations in late February each year.  When the Board opens the nominations window for the 2021-2022 school year information will be posted to the District's social media accounts and website homepage.  It will also be included in District newsletters and sent to families/staff via email and text message. 

To see recipients from past years please scroll down.

2020-2021 Golden Apple Award Recipients pictured (front row L-R) Wapato Middle School Teacher Karissa Lawrence and District Attendance Clerk Maria Polina.  (back row L-R) Wapato Middle School Athletic Director/Assistant Principal Tim Strother, Wapato Middle School Para-Educator Wade Moses and High School Teacher Zach Dorr.

2018-2019 Golden Apple Award Recipients pictured left to right: District Community Relations/Title 1 Parent Engagement Coordinator Mike Balmelli, Retiring High School/Middle School Band Teacher Don Moore, Retiring Superintendent Becky Imler, District Print Shop Operator Jessica Torres, Adams Elementary School Head Custodian James Bobb and Kindergarten Teacher Linda Rucker.

Pictured Left to Right: Bus Driver Don Groth, Middle School Custodian Mike Catron, District Speech Pathologist Gina Jacob, Retiring Administrator Dan Murray, GEAR UP Advisor Jose Gutierrez

2016-2017 Golden Apple Award Recipients pictured left to right: Wapato High School Teacher Chris Beyrouty, Middle School Teacher Erin Gonzalez, Wapato High School Custodian Joe Shields, Camas Elementary School Teacher Angelina Rocha, and Elementary School Teacher Gerene Sadberry.