The 2026 Golden Apple Award recipient Todd Stokes, left, is presented the Golden Apple Award by Quaker Sam. (Photo by Morgan Ahart)

SALEM — The Salem Rotary Club presented its annual Golden Apple Award to a teacher at the junior high Tuesday.

The 2026 Golden Apple Award was presented to seventh- and eighth-grade teacher Todd Stokes in his classroom Tuesday.

Stokes is a 1989 Salem High School alum and earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Kent State University in 1993, and his master’s degree in 1998. He returned to his alma mater in 1994 as a Title One math teacher at Prospect School and, following its closure, at Southeast Elementary. Now in his 32nd year with the district, Stokes teaches at the junior high school.

The annual Golden Apple Award is presented to educators who devote their lives to teaching in the Salem City School District and is presented as an expression of respect, gratitude and love for teachers’ role in guiding and shaping their students and making a positive impact in their lives. It is presented each year in a surprise ceremony.

Stokes said that the presentation was shocking and that it was an honor to be selected.

“This was not on my bingo card for today. I’m honored,” said Stokes.

Stokes was presented the award by Golden Apple Award Committee Chairman and former Rotary District Governor Geoff Goll and the district’s mascot Quaker Sam. He was also presented with red and black balloons by members of the Golden Apple Award Selection Committee including Gina Dermotta, Brad Stephens, Kate Oesch, Dennis Neiderhiser and William Dawes.

The Golden Apple Award also comes with monetary support with a $500 check for improvements to Stokes’ classroom presented to Junior High School Principal Matt Ziegler by Salem Rotary Foundation President George W.S. Hays, and a $500 check presented to Stokes by Salem Rotary Club President Mitch Hendricks.

“Mr. Stokes’ dedication, enthusiasm and expertise make him an exceptional educator and a valued member of the teaching community. He is passionate about his work, and he is deeply committed to his students’ success, and he consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that they understand the material and are well prepared for future challenges,” said Goll. “Mr. Stokes encourages parental engagement and provides regular updates on progress to encourage understanding of the subject matter and student accomplishments. Todd’s approach to teachings is characterized by his patience, creativity and unwavering belief in his students’ ability, and he fosters a warm an inclusive classroom environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring new ideas.”

Stokes joins a distinguished group of outstanding Salem educators who have been honored with the Golden Apple including Christi Arnoto (2020), Amie Cochran (2021), Atila Samu (2022), Mary Beth Shivers (2023), Renee Dreger (2024) and Kari Newburn (2025).

mahart@mojonews.com