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Whitney Young Science Teacher Surprised With Golden Apple Award And $5,000

By Joe Ward | April 11, 2016 12:44pm
 Todd Katz, Whitney Young science teacher, won a 2016 Golden Apple award.
Todd Katz, Whitney Young science teacher, won a 2016 Golden Apple award.
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DNAinfo/Chloe Riley

NEAR WEST SIDE — Whitney Young High School science teacher Todd Katz is usually greeted by enthusiastic kids as he comes in to work every day.

On Monday, those kids were joined by Katz's family, principal Joyce Kenner and Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who were on hand to surprise him with a Golden Apple award.

Katz was the first Golden Apple recipient awarded this year. The prestigious ward is given annually to outstanding teachers throughout Illinois.

Selected among a pool of 400 nominees, Katz was awarded the Golden Apple for the enthusiasm he has sparked in his biology and environmental studies students.

"He's not just a teacher; he's part of our community," said Jacob Buterbaugh, Whitney Young senior and a Jefferson Park resident. "He's just one of those people you have to love."

Todd Katz (l.) reacts to winning the 2016 Golden Apple award with principal Joyce Kenner (c) and Mayor Rahm Emanuel (r.) [DNAinfo/Joe Ward]

Katz has built the school a greenhouse and has started the "eco club," where kids get to do things like make deodorant out of all natural ingredients.

Katz also has kids work with turtles, snakes and some endangered species.

“I wanted to have more things alive in my classroom than just kids,” Katz told DNAinfo Chicago in a 2014 profile.

RELATED: SNAPPING TURTLES, SNAKES PART OF THE FUN FOR WHITNEY YOUNG SCIENCE TEACHER

Emanuel said Katz's impact goes beyond the walls of his classroom.

"His commitment to teaching his students about the importance of preserving the environment as well as his innovative teacher approach exemplifies excellence in the teaching profession and Chicago is grateful for his efforts," Emanuel said.

Katz has been a teacher for 14 years and has been at Whtiney Young, 211 S. Laflin Street, for the last 8 years. He said winning a Golden Apple award has been a dream of his since graduating college.

I'm overjoyed," Katz told reporters after the surprise presentation. "My goal is to inspire youths. I want them to achieve whatever they want to do."

Winners of the Golden Apple receive a spring quarter sabbatical to study at Northwestern University as well as $5,000. They also become fellows of the Golden Apple Academy of Educators, the foundation said in a statement.

"Research has shows that teachers set the course for student success and have the greatest effect on student learning," Dominic Belmonte, Golden Apple CEO, said in a statement. "This year's award recipients have created meaningful learning experiences that have changed their student's lives."

 

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