South senior receives Golden Apple scholarship

The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois selected senior Cecilia Nunez to receive a scholarship at the end of February.

The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois Scholarship is awarded annually to 135 Illinois high school students who are interested in pursuing a teaching career. Internships, financial assistance and summer programs give these students the opportunity to pursue a career in education. This year, the Golden Apple Scholars program nominated 1250 students.

Nunez said that the significance of receiving this award was immense for her and her family. The award provides opportunities for an education to those who want to go to college but wouldn’t be able to go due to their financial situation.

“I don’t come from a very wealthy family, so it pays for most of my school, and I’m [very] proud of myself for getting this scholarship,” Nunez said.

According to Nunez, the application and interview process was very time-consuming. The process includes essays, two interviews and a questionnaire, as well as a 3.0 grade point average or higher.

Nunez also said that one of the requirements upon receiving this award is to teach in a school in need after completing college. She said she is excited to work in a school in need because she would like to help students and parents that speak English as a second language.

“I remember when I was little it was hard for my parents to communicate with my teacher, and since I’m bilingual, I want to help those parents,” Nunez said.

Nunez is currently a student teacher at the Titan Tots preschool program. According to Kimberly Kiraly, Titan Tots and child Development teacher, the Titan Tots preschool program allows students the opportunity to become a teacher and to be sure that teaching is really a career they want to pursue.

“She is so dedicated to providing the best experiences for the kids that she works with,” Kiraly said. “That’s something that I can’t really teach. That comes innately in a person.”Kiraly also said that passion is really important in teaching. She feels Nunez is incredibly driven and loves working at the Titan Tots preschool program.

“I can teach a student how to implement a teaching strategy […] but you can’t always teach somebody’s passion for working with kids.,” Kiraly said, “And that’s something that she has really found within herself and passion is the key to being successful

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