Brother Rice High School is proud to announce that Andrew Quinn, Class of 2025, has been named a Golden Apple Scholar, a prestigious honor recognizing future educators who show exceptional promise and dedication to teaching in Illinois schools of need.
A graduate of St. Michael School in Orland Park, IL, Andrew has made a lasting impact on the Brother Rice community through his involvement in academics, extracurriculars, and service. He is a dedicated member of both the Cross Country and Track & Field teams and a talented musician in the Brother Rice/Mother McAuley Band.
Andrew is also the founding member of the school’s Book Club, providing a space for students to engage in thoughtful dialogue and foster a love of reading. His leadership and compassion extend into the Mount Sion Program, where he serves as a peer mentor, supporting students with special needs in an inclusive educational setting. In addition, Andrew has volunteered with PALS, where he worked as a peer to promote social inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
This fall, Andrew will continue his educational journey at Loyola University Chicago, where he plans to major in Special Education. His selection as a Golden Apple Scholar positions him among a select group of future educators committed to making a difference in classrooms across Illinois.
“Honestly, the Mount Sion Program really has changed my life,” said Andrew Quinn. “Working as a peer mentor has helped me to build genuine friendships with students regardless of their disabilities, gifted me with so many positive memories, and provided me with an early confidence in the field of special education. It was through making these connections with our Mount Sion students that I thought, ‘Wow – I really want to be able to do this for the rest of my life!’ And that’s what I’m doing at Loyola – Chicago. I’m simply taking all the good that I’ve learned here at BR and passing it along to everybody that I can.”
“We could not be more proud of Andrew,” said Mary Erdmann, Director of Special Education for the Mount Sion Program at Brother Rice High School. “He is a natural educator whose compassion, patience, and leadership have had a profound impact on our students. The Golden Apple Scholar program is gaining an incredible future teacher, and I cannot wait to see the difference he will make in the world of special education.”
The Golden Apple Scholars program provides financial assistance, mentorship, and professional development to high-achieving students who plan to teach in high-need schools in Illinois. Andrew’s recognition affirms his deep commitment to serving others and shaping the future of education.
