Eunice Kim, staff writer
The Beverly Hills PTA Council and The Beverly Hills Education Foundation (TFBH) hosted the Apple Awards on May 7. The Apple Awards ceremony was held at the Rooftop Terrace of the Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel.
Apple Awards were presented to teachers and administrators who have “inspired students from all backgrounds and abilities and who play an active and useful role in the community,” according to a press release from TFBH.
English teacher Barbara Bader, senior attendance office assistant Margo Bender and performing arts teacher Herb Hall all received Apple Awards. Art teacher Ryan Lisko from Beverly Vista and school counselor Tara Saykin of El Rodeo also won awards. In addition, English teacher Daniele Kamp-Taylor and office manager Georgianne Yonaty of Hawthorne, and second grade teacher Petrina Arth and principal Steve Kessler of Horace Mann won awards.
“Winners were selected by Dr. Woods or the site principals,” Hilary Hellman, director of Development and Operations, said.
Bader, Bender and Hall were all surprised to find out that they had won an Apple Award.
“[I was] surprised. I mean, it’s a big honor and there are other people that won the award in the past that inspired me. So, that made it more special,” Hall said.
Winners of the award felt gratitude as they strode up to the podium to receive the honor.
“The ceremony was wonderful. It was intimate and very well done. It was so special to be able to celebrate this with family and friends. I was a little embarrassed to be in front of so many people like that, but it was a very special night. The PTSA and everyone involved did an amazing job organizing it. I was so grateful,” Bader said.
The Apple Awards ceremony was very enjoyable to Bender as well.
“[The award] is very significant knowing all the past recipients and knowing that the administration and others that decide who will be honored selected me. That is amazing,” Bender said.
In addition to distributing Apple Awards, the Foundation presented the Community Beacon Award to Michael Bradford and PTA Council presented the Community Service Award to Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel for lending rooftop terrace for Apple Awards for three years. The entertainment was provided by orchestra and band director Bill Bradbury along with Choral Director Ethan Smith while featuring Golda Berkman.