Education policies are shaped by lawmakers who understand that parents know what is best when it comes to their child’s education, and that options are the only way to ensure that each student is given the opportunity to thrive in an environment that fits their needs. In 2025, Parents for School Options (PSO) and school-choice allies across the country celebrated legislators whose dedication to school choice and parent empowerment made a measurable difference in their states. 

These champions are recognized each legislative session through distribution of Golden Apple Awards, which are presented to policymakers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to expanding educational opportunities for families in their state. From supporting scholarship programs to protecting access to virtual learning, we are highlighting a few key policymakers that exemplify the immense difference that is made when we have school-choice champions in office. 

The Importance of Legislative Allies

Our legislative champions do so much more than vote in favor of school choice friendly bills. They provide credibility, visibility, and momentum for the causes that matter most to families, like passing remote testing or ensuring equitable funding for virtual students. Building relationships with policymakers is not a one-off effort; it requires persistence, storytelling, and clear communication about how policies affect real students and communities.

Having allies in office means that when threats arise, there are voices ready to defend students, elevate family perspectives, and push innovative solutions. In 2025, PSO and its state partners saw firsthand how such champions can transform policy debates into victories for families.

Spotlight on 2025 Golden Apple Award Winners

Georgia: Senator Shawn Still and Representative Scott Hilton

Senator Shawn Still and Representative Scott Hilton were recognized with Golden Apple Awards for their leadership on the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act, legislation that established scholarship accounts funded at $6,000 per participating student per year. This program provides families with meaningful financial support to choose the public education option that best fits their children’s needs.

Senator Still played a pivotal role in championing the bill through the legislative process, ensuring that key stakeholders understood the impact it would have on Georgia families. Representative Hilton likewise emerged as a steadfast supporter of school choice, working to secure the bill’s passage after the 2024 legislative session. His dedication helped translate parental advocacy into tangible policy, ensuring that more students across Georgia have access to flexible, high-quality educational options.

Washington: Representative Greg Nance and Representative Lillian Ortiz-Self‍

Representative Greg Nance and Representative Lillian Ortiz-Self were honored with the Digital Public Schools Alliance Champion for Kids Award (Washington State’s version of the Golden Apple) for their unwavering advocacy on behalf of online learners. 

Rep. Nance, a long-time supporter of virtual education, co-sponsored this critical legislation, demonstrating his commitment to expanding opportunities for families who choose non-traditional learning models. Similarly, Rep. Ortiz-Self emerged as a key school-choice champion by serving as the prime sponsor, advocating tirelessly to make remote testing a reality for online students. Both played pivotal roles in passing legislation that allows students enrolled in online programs to participate in remote state testing, ensuring equitable access for digital learners across Washington.

California: Senator Steven Choi and Senator Brian Jones‍

Our friends at California Parents for Public Virtual Education (CPPVE) awarded both Senator Steven Choi and Senator Brian Jones with Golden Apple awards this year for their steadfast work in promoting and advancing school choice legislation in California. 

Sen. Choi was honored with the Golden Apple Award for his tireless advocacy on behalf of online charter schools and family choice in California. During the 2025 legislative session, he was instrumental in helping families and education advocates defeat Assembly Bill 84 and Senate Bill 414, legislation that would have imposed restrictive barriers on virtual schools. Sen. Choi’s “relentless advocacy for school choice” ensured that families retained access to safe, flexible, and high-quality educational environments. “Senator Choi has been a resolute champion for empowering parents to determine the public education option that best meets their children’s needs,” says CPPVE Manager Mike MeCey. 

Senator Brian Jones likewise received the Golden Apple Award for his dedication to equitable educational opportunities. Senator Jones played a central role in defending virtual charter schools during the 2025 session, supporting policies that protect parent choice and expand access to public virtual education. “This award underscores Senator Jones’s commitment to parent choice and his dedication to ensuring equal access to a quality public education,” MeCey stated. 

Ohio: State Representative Josh Williams‍

Representative Josh Williams embodies resilience and dedication. From his challenging beginnings as a high school dropout and survivor of a severe workplace injury, he pursued higher education, earned a law degree, and ultimately sought public office to advocate for his community. “As a State Representative, Josh is pursuing reform in all the areas that affect Lucas County residents most: workforce development, education and criminal justice,” says Libby Krieger, Coalition Manager of Ohio Parents For Education Freedom. 

In 2025, Rep. Williams was recognized with a Golden Apple Award for his steadfast support of education freedom and Ohio eSchool families, demonstrating that personal experience can translate into impactful, family-centered policymaking.

Colorado: Senate President James Coleman, Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, House Speaker Julie McCluskie, and Representative Anthony Hartsook

PSO-Colorado proudly recognized four lawmakers with the Golden Apple Award for their leadership, advocacy, and tangible impact on school choice and online education. Each played a distinct role in strengthening opportunities for Colorado students and families.

Senate President James Coleman earned the Golden Apple Award for consistently standing up for online schools and school choice. He leads by example, drawing on his own charter school experience, and has championed legislation that gives Colorado students more access to the learning environment that works best for them.

Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer was recognized for her years of pushing for strong, sustainable school funding, including support for online programs. Her work on the Joint Budget Committee has ensured virtual students aren’t overlooked, and her ability to connect with families across the political spectrum makes her a powerful advocate.

Speaker Julie McCluskie received the Golden Apple Award for protecting school funding during tough budget years and making sure online students are supported. Her steady leadership has helped student-centered policies move forward, even during financial uncertainty.

Representative Anthony Hartsook was honored for being a loud, clear voice for students and school choice. His advocacy for online learning, and his keen approach to education legislation, has made him an invaluable ally to families who rely on virtual public schools.

Conclusion

The recipients of the 2025 Golden Apple Awards remind us that when elected officials champion families, they help unlock opportunities for thousands of students while also listening to and amplifying the voices of parents who advocate every day for what is best for their children.

By recognizing the incredible work and dedication demonstrated by these legislative heroes, PSO continues to strengthen the network of allies essential to advancing school choice, ensuring that policymakers who stand up for families are recognized, celebrated, and empowered to do even more.