“Recipients of this year’s Golden Acorn/Golden Apple awards are, from left, Barb Higbee-Price, Jenny Gochanour, Colleen O’Keefe, Barb Guetlin, Gay Bitts and Valerie Brown.Eight South Whidbey Parent Teacher Association members earned the Golden Acorn/Golden Apple awards last month in recognition of their exemplary dedication and volunteer service to children, schools and community. The South Whidbey Elementary Parent Teacher Association acknowledged its members Gay Bitts, Valerie Brown, Colleen O’Keefe and Barbara Higbee-Price with Golden Acorns. Langley Middle school honored teacher Jack Terhar with the Golden Apple and Barb Guetlin with a Golden Acorn. South Whidbey High School teacher Jenny Gochanour was awarded a Golden Apple, and volunteer Martie Murphy was recognized with a Golden Acorn.Established in 1973 by the Washington State PTA, the Golden Acorn is awarded annually by PTA groups to more than 1,000 volunteers in recognition for their work for children and youth. Golden Acorn Award recipients are consistent supporters of PTA who have typically served in a number of capacities throughout the community. They are recognized as exceptional in the time they have given and the contribution they have made over and above the normal duties of each of the positions in which they have served and in the personal qualities they have brought to that service.The Golden Apple Award is presented to an educator who has demonstrated outstanding educational contributions that enhance the education of children.A contribution is made in the name of each of the Golden Acorn/Apple Award recipients by each school’s PTA to the Washington State PTA Financial Grant Foundation, which annually awards $55,000 in scholarships to high school graduates for post-secondary education. “