Greater Lafayette Commerce has announced the winners of the 2025 Golden Apple Awards, celebrating outstanding educators who make a lasting impact on their schools and communities. This year’s recipients include Carol Howard from Dayton Elementary School, Diann Vernon from the Greater Lafayette Career Academy (GLCA) and Ellen DeFreese and Angela Marks from Cole Elementary School.

Carol Howard, a kindergarten teacher at Dayton Elementary School, has dedicated 14 years to teaching, with the last 12 in the Tippecanoe School Corporation (TSC). She holds a bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods and a master’s from Purdue University.

Howard is known for creating a welcoming and engaging environment where students learn while having fun. “She is able to create fun and engaging lessons that help our students grow academically, emotionally and socially,” says Dayton Principal Ryan Simmons. “She embeds curriculum and standards into activities that students love like the Kindy 500.” The annual event teaches students about Indiana history and the Indianapolis 500 culminating in students creating and racing their own vehicles.

“The greatest impact that she has left on our students is a love of learning,” Simmons adds.

Diann Vernon, who teaches Education Professions classes at GLCA, is being recognized for her dedication to preparing future educators. Vernon has more than 30 years of teaching experience and holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ball State University.

In her six years at GLCA, Vernon is known for making sure students have the tools and opportunities to succeed. “Mrs. Vernon has created flexible learning opportunities so all students can participate in the program and she coordinates opportunities that allow students to gain hands-on experience,” says GLCA Director Amanda Hutcheson. 

Vernon also serves as a sponsor for Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and the National Technical Honor Society, as well as mentors new teachers. 

Angela Marks, a third-grade teacher at Cole Elementary School, has spent her 27-year career with TSC fostering a sense of belonging and curiosity in her students. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and a master’s from Indiana Wesleyan University.

“She sings and tells wonderful stories to her students in order to make a point more real,” says Cole Principal Mike Pinto. “Mrs. Marks also is someone who is not afraid to try new techniques and who is an early adopter when there is a need which arises from a curricular level. Her classroom is always open and she is someone that parents trust.”

Marks extends her expertise beyond the classroom, serving on a board at Purdue University that looks at teacher preparation and how the school can better prepare its students to be educators.

Ellen DeFreese, another third-grade teacher at Cole Elementary School, brings more than 30 years of experience to her students. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and a master’s from Indiana Wesleyan University.

“Mrs. DeFreese meets students where they are and strives to maximize their potential,” says Principal Pinto. “She’s also known for bringing a regular visitor to the school to help students build empathy—a micro mini Highland cow named Mollie. She wrote a grant to secure a pen on the school grounds so other animals can come visit”

In addition to her classroom work, DeFreese serves as the school's Conscious Disciple Building Champion, developing tools to help children learn to regulate their emotions. 

The winners will be recognized during a ceremony February 26 at GLCA.