Roanoke County, Virginia – A Penn Forest Elementary School teacher has been selected to receive the prestigious Golden Apple Teacher of the Year award, an honor granted to educators who go above and beyond in their profession.
Mary Alcoke, a first-grade teacher with thirty years of experience, has been recognized for her exceptional efforts to create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for her students.
According to Alcoke, students thrive when they feel a sense of belonging and are encouraged to respect one another’s differences. With her unwavering dedication and tireless work, Alcoke has been instrumental in fostering a positive and supportive atmosphere in her classroom.
Beyond regular instruction, Alcoke has instilled in her students the importance of listening to one another, promoting empathy and understanding among her young charges. As a result, her pupils are more motivated, engaged, and enthusiastic about learning.
In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, Alcoke was presented with a check for $1,000 and named the nominee from Roanoke County Public Schools for the highly coveted 2025 Virginia Teacher of the Year Award. Her achievement is a testament to her unwavering commitment to her students and the transformative impact that a caring and dedicated educator can have on young lives.
Additionally, the RCPS Education Foundation has also announced the winners of the Green and Red Apple Awards. Heather Wray, a Kindergarten teacher at W.E. Cundiff Elementary, Karen Perry, a science teacher at Northside Middle School, Chris Overfelt, a motorsports and welding instructor at the Burton Center for Arts & Technology, and Ryan Adams, a science teacher at William Byrd High School, each received $500 for their exceptional work in the field of education.
