ALPENA — According to a press release from the Alpena Public Schools, Alpena High School Senior Samantha Zolnierek from Alpena High School’s Career and Technical Education Teacher Academy was selected as a Golden Apple Scholar.

According to the Golden Apple website, the Golden Apple Scholars program in Michigan is a teacher preparation program for students with the determination and drive to be outstanding teachers in Michigan Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade schools.

Zolnierek successfully completed a vigorous application process including an application, essay and interview. She was informed this week that out of about 300 candidates in Michigan, she was accepted into the program.

Zolnierek will get both financial and professional support as part of the program beginning this summer with attendance at a week-long Scholar Institute at Michigan State University, where Zolnierek will work alongside Golden Apple staff members, mentor teachers, and other students.