Fifth-grade teacher Shavon Brewer is being recognized for the impact she is making in the classroom, receiving a coveted Golden Apple Award Thursday.
Brewer is a teacher at Northwest Elementary School in Evergreen Park, and she was honored this week for her years of dedication.
The Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching recognizes and honors outstanding teachers for their roles in having lasting, positive effects on students’ lives and building stronger communities.
“I don’t even have words,” said Shavon. “My heart is pounding. It is jumping out of my chest. I am still trying to wrap my head around it. I did not think I would get chosen. I do what I do for the children. Winning the Golden Apple is a bonus.”
Family and friends were at the school as Shavon received her honor.
“I am just so happy for her,” said her mother, Gloria Brewer. “She is so deserving of this. From the day she was born, I knew she was destined for greatness.”
“Shavon has been a motivator and superb person when it comes to everything she puts her mind to,” added her father, DeMyron Brewer
The 2026 teaching award recipients were selected from nearly 600 nominations of 4th-8th grade teachers around the country. Shavon was one of 10 award recipients in Illinois.
Golden Apple Award recipients receive $5,000 and a paid spring sabbatical at Northwestern University, according to officials.
