Amy Moreno

Golden Apple Scholars Program winner Amy Moreno is on a mission to become an influential and inspiring educator. With strong support from her high school teachers, Moreno always felt that education was the right path for her.

“I want to motivate students of my own,” she said.

As a first-generation American without a parent at home to support her academically, Moreno found guidance and encouragement from her teachers at Proviso East High School, who became her role models.

Although the pandemic prompted Moreno to take a gap year, she never lost sight of her dream of becoming a teacher. She eventually enrolled in education courses at Triton College.

“Triton was convenient and cost effective,” she explained.

With encouragement from her instructors and classmates at Triton, Moreno applied to join the Golden Apple Scholars Program—an important step in furthering her commitment to a career in education.

Moreno, along with fellow Triton education students Yaritza Maritnez, Gianella Giublino, Amy Moreno and Donnialy Rivera, were chosen for the prestigious honor.

“I’m very thankful,” said Moreno.

According to its website, the Golden Apple Scholars program in Illinois is a teacher preparation and tuition initiative designed for students dedicated to becoming effective educators in schools-of-need across Illinois.

The program is open to high school seniors, college freshmen and sophomores, and community college students planning to transfer to a four-year university. Scholars can receive up to $23,000 in total financial support.

This summer, Moreno will participate in a “Scholars Institute” at the University of Illinois Chicago, where faculty and students collaborate to deepen their knowledge and experience in their fields of study.

This fall, Moreno will attend Elmhurst University and major in education.

“I truly want to make an impact in a child’s life,” she said.

Information about Triton’s Education Department is available here.