MLEA GOLDEN APPLE AWARD ANNOUNCED- Congratulations, Mrs. Karen Johnson!

Thanks to generous sponsors Minerva Rotary Club and Clark, Clark & Chaddock,
the Minerva Local Education Association (MLEA) held its annual Teacher
Appreciation Banquet on Monday, May 18 at Tee House Social at Great Trail
Golf Course. Among the recognitions were first-year - Kamryn Bondoni, Nadia
Gray, Natalie Hinkle, Maggie Masl, Mason Middleton, Mackenzie Scott, and
Zachary Slates; 10 years – Lisa Anthony, Jacalyn Woods; 20 years – Robert Carle,
Aimee Davis, Allison Wukotich; 30 years – Debra Imler; and retiring Michele
Harris - MES, Debra Imler - MHS, and Valerie Slaton – MHS. MLEA Legacy
Scholarships were awarded to Paisley Imler and Alora Boldon.

MLEA is proud to announce the winner of the 2026 Golden Apple award for
teaching excellence. The Honoree was selected by committee from nominations
submitted by students, colleagues, and parents. Over seventy-seven educators were
nominated for the award. The 2026 Honoree is Karen Johnson, a 1st grade teacher
at Minerva Elementary School.

Karen Johnson has spent more than 33 years working with some of
Minerva’s youngest students. Karen grew up in Tiffin, Ohio, and was a graduate of
Tiffin Calvert High School. She went on to earn her bachelor's degree from Walsh
College, with a certificate in Elementary Education. Soon after, Minerva became
her home as she accepted a job in the local school system. Working first in a
kindergarten position, she then became a first grade teacher, which is a title she has
held ever since. Mrs. Johnson has proven herself to be a lifelong learner, earning
her master’s degree from the American College of Education in 2020.

Some of her students remarked, “Mrs. Johnson is the best! She makes arts
and crafts and lets us go outdoors,” and “She makes it fun. We have fun jobs.”
Karen is a dedicated educator who very obviously loves her students and her
school. Karen faces every challenge with professionalism, and works hard to
provide every student with a fun and high-quality first grade experience. Her own
first grade team members have described her as patient, caring, a talented mentor,
an amazing role model, and a loyal advocate for both students and teachers. While
she is affectionately referred to as “St. Karen” by her team members, they are
quick to point out that she is a quiet prankster, who enjoys causing a bit of good-
natured chaos with activities like her famous annual Elf on the Shelf.

Minerva Local Schools Superintendent, Mark Scott, stated that teaching first
grade is Karen’s life-calling. He believes that "Mrs. Johnson is a passionate,
dedicated, and accomplished educator who impacts the lives of students each and
every day.” Mr. Scott added that he is also appreciative of Karen’s care, support,
and positive influence of his own son, who was once a first grader in Mrs.
Johnson’s classroom. Another parent was quoted as saying, “Mrs. Johnson has
been so incredibly encouraging, and has done an amazing job building confidence
in my daughter.”

Karen exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional educator, demonstrating
positive leadership and fostering student success both inside and outside of the
classroom. For these reasons and many more, it is clear that Mrs. Karen Johnson is
very deserving of this year’s MLEA Golden Apple Award.

Congratulations, Mrs. Johnson- we are Proud of you- Go Lions!