Marco Island Academy's Own Dawn Lombardi Named Teacher of Distinction

A wave of pride is sweeping through our community as Dawn Lombardi of Marco Island Academy has been named a 2025-2026 Collier County Teacher of Distinction.

 

This is a tremendous honor, recognizing the exceptional educators who inspire our students every day.

 

The announcement came from The Education Foundation of Collier County – Champions For Learning, which spearheads the county's premier educator recognition initiative, the Golden Apple Program.

 

Lombardi isn't the only local teacher receiving accolades.

 

She is joined by fellow Marco Island educators Martie Miller from Marco Island Charter Middle School and Georgina Dolan of Tommie Barfield Elementary, showcasing the strength of our island's schools.

 

Over 5,700 Thank-A-Teacher nominations were submitted for nearly 1,500 different educators across the county.  This group of 59 Teachers of Distinction is the result of those heartfelt nominations from students, parents, and colleagues.

 

Now, these distinguished teachers will present their unique classroom strategies to a selection committee.  The journey culminates with the 36th Annual Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers Dinner on April 17th.

 

"We are so excited for the 2026 Golden Apple Celebration of Teachers to return as an elegant, sit-down dinner," said Eric Williams, President and CEO of Champions For Learning.  He emphasized the event's role in honoring the incredible work educators achieve in their classrooms and the wider community.

 

This program shines a much-deserved spotlight on the dedication that defines teaching in Collier County.  Congratulations to our Marco Teachers!  Photo Credit:  Borrowed From the MIA Newsletter.