Ledgewood Elementary teacher Jackie Weerda claims a Golden Apple
Visitors surprised her with the award while she was reading to her kindergarteners.
On Thursday, March 6, 2025, WTVO Channel 17 News anchor Mimi Murphy quietly led a group of sponsors, family, friends and teachers down the hallway at Ledgewood Elementary School in Roscoe, Illinois.
It was Golden Apple Day in and around Rockford, Illinois. The goal of the annual award is to enhance learning children in pre-school through grade 12. This year, the emphasis was on recognizing exceptional elementary school educators.
On this special day, they were headed for Jackelyn (Jackie) Weerda’s kindergarten classroom.
As Jackie was reading to her students, the visitors entered the classroom, led by Paul Von Driska, representing Bergstrom Inc. of Rockford. To the surprise and delight of her class of five- and six -year-old students, Von Driska presented Jackie with the prestigious Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership.
Jackie was recognized for her outstanding teaching skills as well as her obvious love for her students. She is known for always having a smile on her face. This day was no exception.
“There must have been 40 people in to the room. The children were so excited. It still feels surreal.”
Jackie has been teaching elementary school for 20 years, fifteen of those years at Ledgewood School. She is a University of Illinois graduate in early childhood development, and holds a masters degree in reading and literacy.
Ledgewood was one of six elementary schools in the Rockford area that claimed Golden Apple winners this year. In addition:
- Jelena Holcomb - kindergarten at STEAM Academy at Haskell Elementary School, Rockford, Illinois
- Alyssa Passmore - second grade - Keith School, Rockford, Illinois
- Allison Rhymer - Donald A Parker Early Education, Machesney Park Elementary School, Machesney Park, Illinois
- Kellie Kim – special education resource, second and fifth grade, Cherry Valley Elementary School, Cherry Valley, Illinois
- Lisa Robinson - kindergarten, Rolling Green Elementary School, Rockford, Illinois.
The honored teachers will be attending the Golden Apple black tie affair, April 25, 2025 at Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Road, Rockford, Illinois.
As a Golden Apple recipient, each teacher will receive a professional development stipend, a cash reward, and will become a member of the Fellows of Golden Apple Academy of Educators.
Golden Apple sponsors are Bergstrom Inc, WTVO-Fox 39, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Wendys, Rockford Register Star and Collins Aerospace.
