The Appleton Awards

2025 Appleton Award Applications

These awards recognize the achievements and potential of educators using Arts in innovative ways in their classrooms or community. The award is and is open to PreK-12 Educators in Sarasota, Manatee, Desoto, or Charlotte County. Winners receive a cash award to continue their professional development and growth as outlined below.

Experienced ($5,000 award): Educators who have significant knowledge of Arts Integration and have been utilizing successful strategies in their classrooms or in the community. This scholarship will allow them to attend and/or present at a national conference to learn advanced skills in arts integration and disseminate their successful strategies. This scholarship will cover registration, airfare, accommodations, and a daily stipend to attend the conference.

Emerging ($2,500 award): This scholarship is for teachers who have expressed interest and demonstrate potential for excellence in Arts Integration implementation in the classroom or in the community. Designed to foster a stronger foundation and support growth, this scholarship supports attendance at either a virtual or local conference and covers registration only.

Requirements: Open to all Teachers/Educators in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, or Desoto counties using the arts to build community, improve wellness, and innovate education for learners Preschool through Adult. Recipients will be asked to share their experience as a Merit Scholar upon conference completion.