DU Alumna is Finalist for Golden Apple Award

Kathleen Mahoney MAT '09 is among 30 finalists for the 2025 Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching.

Mahoney is a civics teacher at Lake View High School in Chicago.

“The tight community and support of the Dominican staff and students was incredibly valuable for me,” Mahoney said her education. “From advisors to professors and fellow classmates, there was always someone who could support you in your journey. I also really valued that Dominican shared multiple perspectives and experiences of education within our class readings and discussions.”

The Golden Apple Awards honor outstanding teachers for having lasting, positive effects on students’ lives and school communities.

“Amid the challenges facing education today, it is more important than ever to celebrate the educators who go above and beyond for their students and get results,” said Alicia Winckler, chief executive Officer of Golden Apple, in a news release. “These finalists remind us of the profound impact a dedicated teacher can have on shaping futures and building strong communities. We are proud to honor their extraordinary impact.”

More than 470 teachers in grades 9-12 were nominated for a 2025 Golden Apple Award. Recipients of the award will be announced this spring, and each will receive a $5,000 cash award. They will become fellows of the Golden Apple Academy of Educators, a community that prepares the next generation of teachers in the Golden Apple Scholars and Accelerators programs.