ICHS Senior Amanda Tugade Named Golden Apple Scholar of Illinois

Congratulations to Immaculate Conception High School senior, Amanda Tugade, who has been selected to be among one of only 100 Golden Apple Scholars of the Illinois Class of 2010. The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois is a highly competitive program that seeks the best and brightest among Illinois youth interested in pursuing a career in teaching.  Those selected not only receive financial assistance to one of the 53 participating colleges, but they also are given the opportunity to receive advanced teacher preparation through Summer Institutes that provide early practice and exposure to the art of teaching.

Over 2,100 students in Illinois were nominated for the 2010 Golden Apple Award, but it came as no surprise to ICHS English Teacher Cindy Thomas that Tugade was chosen.  “I nominated Amanda because I feel that she will be an excellent teacher.  Not only is she smart, but she is extremely creative and patient” explained Thomas “In addition to being a kind and helpful person, these are the attributes that will enable her to be a great teacher”.

Golden Apple Scholars must earn a bachelor’s degree at one of the 53 Illinois universities that participate in the program, obtain an Illinois teacher certification and teach for five years in a Illinois school of need.  Scholars must also meet GPA requirements, participate in Summer Institutes and comply with a code of conduct while in the program.  In return, all Golden Apple Scholars receive tuition assistance of $2,500 per year for their freshman and sophomore years and $5,000 per year for their junior and senior years.  The Scholars also receive a $2,000 stipend for each summer of attendance at the Summer Institute.

Amanda Tugade will be honored at a reception celebrating the Class of 2010 Scholars on Sunday, April 25th at DePaul University in Chicago.

Congratulations Amanda!