ABERDEEN, S.D. – The Aberdeen Public Schools Foundation Golden Apple Award winners were announced Monday at the school district’s all-staff in-service event.
This year’s Golden Apple Award winners are:
Dr. Tina Board, Central High School Assistant Principal
Barb Nygaard, CHS Special Education Teacher
Erich Schaffhauser, ATEC Academy Audio/Visual Teacher
Sponsored by the Aberdeen Public Schools Foundation, Golden Apple Awards are given annually to employees who have made an outstanding contribution to the district and demonstrated a dedication to excellence in education.
Each of this year’s winners received multiple nominations from co-workers, students and parents.
Colleagues describe Board as omnipresent, deeply committed and always ready for challenges. She continually seeks ways to uplift others—energizing the student section, sharing surprises on Free Stuff Friday, stocking birthday lockers, celebrating monthly birthdays, and creating the now-famous “snackle box” days. Board’s honors include Region 4 Assistant Principal of the Year, conference presentations, service on the District Wellness Committee, and teaching School Law as an adjunct professor at Northern State University.
One nominator shared, “Dr. Board shows up EVERY DAY with the same positive attitude and commitment to get things done right. She is present in the office, classrooms, and hallways. After school she is doing supervision at events or teaching master’s classes to graduate students. She never backs down from a challenge and is constantly looking for ways to improve our school.”
Nygaard has been a guiding light at Central for many years, serving as a mentor, advocate, and role model for both students and colleagues. She works tirelessly within the classroom, focusing not on student behaviors, but on the core of each student’s needs. She meets students at their greatest need and provides them with the understanding, encouragement and patience that they truly need to be successful. Nygaard ensures that every student feels seen, valued and supported.
One nominator shared, “Personally, since I have started my own career, she has been a very consistent source of advice, encouragement, and motivation which I know has assisted myself and so many other newer teachers.”
Schaffhauser has significantly transformed the educational and creative experiences of students at CHS. Through the Audio/Video program, students produce weekly content for the community via Eagle Zone, gaining real-world skills in journalism, production and broadcasting. Under his guidance, students have collectively earned nearly $50,000 in journalism scholarships over the past five years. The program’s excellence is further reflected in its close to 20 regional Student Production Awards from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, two National Student Production Award nominations, and one national award—a testament to the high-caliber work happening in our schools.
Parents and students alike recognize his passion for teaching and mentorship. One parent noted, “What Mr. Schaffhauser has done with Eagle Zone and media productions is nothing short of amazing! … The outlet that he provides in his classes for students to be creative in ways that had not previously been available is unmatched.”
About the Aberdeen Public School District
The Aberdeen Public School District provides a comprehensive educational program to approximately 4,200 students in grades K-12, with a mission of empowering all students to succeed in a changing world. Our students receive the knowledge and skills necessary to reach their potential in a global community through high expectations of academic achievement; diverse educational opportunities; and community involvement in a safe, supportive environment. Learn more at aberdeen.k12.sd.us.