Niles West High School made history on May 5, 2025 when the Golden Apple Foundation presented its prestigious Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching to a team of educators, Elizabeth Dribin-Khoshaba and Dillin Randolph. The teachers were surprised at a staff meeting where their families and friends joined students, alumni, administrators, and colleagues to celebrate the outstanding recognition.

For the first time ever, the Golden Apple Award was presented to co-teachers from a school. Alan Mather, President of The Golden Apple Foundation, said that they could not separate Dribin-Khoshaba and Randolph “because of the concern and the care they have for the students, because they challenge them every day, because of how they affirm them.” 

Dribin-Khoshaba and Randolph are two of 11 teacher award recipients in Illinois. Following a highly competitive process, the 2025 teaching award recipients were selected from more than 470 nominations of 9th-12th-grade teachers. 

“They’re a great partnership, great educators, and great colleagues, and I’m just so proud and full of admiration for these two,” remarked Dr. Michael Kucera, Niles West Director of English.

“Students in your classrooms show up because they really enjoy what you’re doing,” noted Stephanie Hentz, Niles West Director of Special Education, to the honorees. Hentz added that she has seen how students are empowered and have “what they need to learn best” in classes co-taught by Dribin-Khoshaba and Randolph.

The Golden Apple Foundation is the leading Illinois-based nonprofit committed to preparing, mentoring, honoring, and retaining great educators who advance educational opportunities for students. 

Visit the Golden Apple website for their media release and more information: The Golden Apple Foundation Surprises Niles West High School Teachers Elizabeth Dribin-Khoshaba and Dillin Randolph with Prestigious Award for Excellence in Teaching.