ChampionsOn Wednesday, January 28, 2015, three GNL members:  Eileen Connolly-Keesler (Class XVIII), GNL’s immediate Past President, John Hannsz (Class XI), and William Hall (Class XII) are among twenty community champions and five Golden Apple teachers being recognized for leadership in education at the Champions For Learning 25th Anniversary event, “Night of the Champions.”

These three GNL honorees all have a great respect for teachers and students, sharing their passion for education with GNL colleagues.

“Great teachers change students’ lives,” says John Hannsz, who has served on the Golden Apple Selection Committee, which rewards outstanding teachers for the best practices.

Bill Hall has been a mentor in the Take Stock in Children scholarship and mentoring program for the past eight years, watching his mentees become young men who maintain their grades and remain drug and crime free while in the mentoring program.

Eileen Connolly-Keesler has made her passion for increasing college access for students and families a priority for the Community Foundation that she leads.  As an advocate for college and career preparation, she is building the capacity for student scholarships to meet the many needs of our community.

This celebratory event will be held at the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club. For more information, go to: www.educationforcollier.org [Susan McManus, Class XVII]