Linda Foley IS Meridian Hills Co-op. Her lively spirit and positive attitude lives in the very foundation of the school. Foley started at Meridian Hills Co-op decades ago as a student and subsequently student taught at the school. She then enrolled her two children, and her daughter was in the very first kindergarten class at Meridian Hills Co-op. Now, Foley brings her masters level of teaching to the 3- and 4-year-old classes, playing and learning right along side her students.

 

Foley treats everyone without judgement, and welcomes each person she meets into her life and classroom with her whole heart.

Chris Wise is a shining example of an involved co-op parent as her welcoming, inclusive nature puts people at ease. She is very committed to helping her school flourish, as well as to furthering the cooperative movement in Indiana.  During the last seven years, Wise has served Meridian Hills as a co-president, vice president of membership, vice president of parent education and as a group chair. She is currently serving a three year term as president of the Indiana Council of Preschool Cooperatives.  Wise has an unfailing commitment to sharing her love of co-op education, and this award is well-deserved. 

Over the past seven years the amount of time, service and dedication Heather Amon has put into Apple House Preschool is incomparable. Heather has served on the board as the Marketing Chair as well as four years as Vice President. She has organized parent training, given countless school tours, assembled back to school packets, and has completed numerous acts of quiet service. Heather lifts a hand without complaint whether that's giving a ride to a child to school, or substituting in the classroom. She is the glue that makes Apple House strong. On top of all of that,  Heather is also currently serving as ICPC's Vice President.   Heather is a true class act who embodies all that is good with the cooperative spirit. 

Three years ago Apryl went from co-op Mom to teacher at Apple House Preschool, and the brilliant transformation happened almost over night.  Apryl has demonstrated amazing growth, adaptability, humility, and patience as she has grown into a gifted teacher who is simultaneously a calming and magnetic force that preschoolers gravitate to. She has come into her own teaching style while providing new and exciting play-based activities for her different classes and ages, and Apryl's willingness to grow and to try new things has helped Apple House continue to be a top-notch program. Apryl  has embraced the cooperative spirit and it shows as Apple House continues to thrive and enrollment fills faster and faster each year.