Kindergarten Teacher Wins $5K Golden Apple Award

Gold confetti exploded and kindergartners waved pom-poms as Heather Little walked into the gym at Little Flower School in Great Mills, Maryland, completely unaware she'd just won a $5,000 teaching award.

The April 22 surprise ceremony announced Little as a 2026 Golden Apple Award winner, recognizing excellence in Catholic education across the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington. The award, funded by the Donahue Family Foundation, honors teachers who demonstrate professional excellence, leadership, and dedication to their students.

Little has taught at Little Flower School for seven years, spending five in prekindergarten and two in kindergarten. Her approach centers on what she calls teaching "the whole child," blending academic learning with spiritual growth rooted in faith.

"I love the fact that not only am I teaching them academic knowledge, but I also get to teach them spiritually," Little said. Her classroom motto comes straight from scripture: treat others the way you want to be treated.

The impact shows in her students' words. Kindergartner Nash Knott described his teacher simply as "kind" and "helpful," while first grader Dixie Hobbs said the most important lesson from Mrs. Little's class was "how to be nice."

Principal Caitlin Keeton said Little sees each student's unique gifts and nurtures them individually. "She strongly believes that each of her students was created in God's image and likeness, and that drives everything that she does," Keeton explained.

Parents backed up that praise in nomination letters, with one writing that Little's "love for learning is contagious." Another parent said their child's academic growth "improved by leaps and bounds" under her guidance.

Sunny's Take

Little's commitment extends beyond classroom hours. She serves on school committees, helps organize special events, and volunteers evenings and weekends for school families.

On the same day she won the award, Little helped organize a breakfast for military families during the Month of the Military Child. Her own military family background helps her support the many military-connected students at Little Flower School.

The Golden Apple Award comes with $5,000 and recognition at a May 21 dinner honoring 10 winning teachers across the archdiocese. For Little, the real reward seems to be watching her kindergartners learn that kindness matters most.