CSHS science teacher wins 2026 RCPS Golden Apple Teacher of the Year Award

Anne Houston, an anatomy and physiology teacher at Cave Spring High School, has been selected as the 2026 Roanoke County Public Schools Golden Apple Teacher of the Year. 

The 25th Golden Apple Teacher of the Year Awards were presented on April 29 by the Roanoke County Public Schools Education Foundation and Roanoke County Public Schools.

“I help my students experience learning that is engaging and purposeful by consistently connecting Anatomy and Physiology content to real-world applications that matter to their lives now and in the future. I intentionally anchor each unit in the ‘why,’ emphasizing how understanding the human body supports informed health decisions and opens pathways to careers in healthcare, science, and related fields,” said Houston.

Houston received a one-year lease of a new Hyundai Santa Fe and a $1000 cash prize, courtesy of Southern Team.  She also will be the nominee from Roanoke County Public Schools for the 2028 Virginia Teacher of the Year.

In addition to the Golden Apple Award, RCPS and the Education Foundation presented a new award, the Shining Apple Award, to the top support staff member in the school division.  The 2026 Shining Apple Award winner is Annalee Johnson, an instructional assistant at Northside Middle School.

“When she’s in the classroom, it is truly impossible to tell who the teacher is and who the IA is.  She works tirelessly with our students to ensure they meet their IEP goals.  Students feel supported and work hard to increase their academic abilities when they work with her.  She is always willing to lend a hand, help a colleague, and goes above and beyond to help students,” said one person who nominated Johnson for this award.

RCPS and the Education Foundation also presented the Green Apple Award to a teacher with three years or less experience.  The 2026 Green Apple Award winner is Kevin Lewis from William Byrd Middle School.

Three Red Apples were presented to the top teachers at the elementary, middle and high school levels.

• Red Apple (High School):  Cesilee Lineberry (NHS)
• Red Apple (Middle School):  Josh Burton (HVMS)
• Red Apple (Elementary School):  Heather Milton (Burlington)

“We are so proud of all our teachers and staff at Roanoke County Public Schools,” said superintendent, Dr. Ken Nicely.  “More than 70 teachers and more than 50 support staff were nominated for these awards.  It was very difficult to select our winners – every person nominated was exceptional,” Dr. Nicely added.

“The educators we recognized have gone above and beyond in their classrooms, inspiring their students to reach their full potential, and making a lasting impact on their lives. They embody and put into practice every day the qualities we value through our C-Change Framework, centered on deeper learning; that is, learning that is engaging and purposeful. And they do it while leaving no doubt that they not only care about what they teach, but more importantly about whom they teach: our students,” said Dr. Nicely.

2026 RCPS Golden Apple Teacher of the Year Award Finalists:

Green Apple

• Hallie Chewning (Burlington Elem.)
• Hunter Hartman (CSMS)
• Kevin Lewis (WBMS)
• Abby Smith (Masons Cove Elem.)

Elementary School:

• Kelly Henderson (Glenvar Elem.)
• Heather Milton (Burlington Elem.)
• Anielka Silva-Berrios (Ft. Lewis Elem.)
• Petra Williams (Cave Spring Elem.)

Middle School:

• Josh Burton (HVMS)
• James Simpkins (CSMS)
• Brett Strader (NMS)
• Amanda Waldron (NMS)

High School:

• Anne Houston (CSHS)
• Ryan Hutchinson (NHS)
• Cecilee Lineberry (NHS)
• Margot Tingler (A-Step Alternative Program)