FAQ: Freedom Federal Credit Union's 2025 Golden Apple Awards for Educators

What are the Golden Apple Awards?

The Golden Apple Awards are grants established in 2011 by Freedom Federal Credit Union to help educators bring innovative classroom and schoolwide initiatives to life and enhance student learning.

When and where was the 2025 awards reception held?

The awards reception was held on Wednesday, August 13 at Mountain Branch Grill & Pub in Joppa, Maryland.

How many educators were honored and what was the total grant amount?

Ten educators were honored with grants totaling $10,000, distributed as two $2,000 awards, four $1,000 awards, and four $500 awards.

Which geographic areas were included in the 2025 awards?

The 2025 awards included educators from Harford County, Baltimore County, and for the first time, Baltimore City.

Who received the top $2,000 awards and for what projects?

Tara Recor of Prospect Mill and Emmorton Elementary Schools received $2,000 for podcast-powered ’learning walks,’ and Taylor Herring of Chesapeake Terrace Elementary received $2,000 for a student-led podcast program.

What types of projects did the $1,000 award recipients implement?

The $1,000 awards supported STEM innovation and sustainability projects, including engineering expansion, bacteriology and zoology electives, mobile Makerspace carts, and environmental sustainability programs.

What were the focus areas for the $500 award recipients?

The $500 awards supported innovative ways to support the whole child and connect learning beyond the classroom, including calming rooms, real-world math applications, take-home learning kits, and hands-on preschool spaces.

Who spoke at the awards reception?

Mike MacPherson, President and CEO of Freedom Federal Credit Union, and Councilman David Marks of Baltimore County spoke at the reception.

How long has the Golden Apple Awards program been running?

The Golden Apple Awards program has been running for fourteen years, having been established in 2011.