Golden Apple Award 2026
Each year, the Golden Apple Award is presented to individuals who have gone above and beyond to serve our community — and this year is no exception.
After reviewing several outstanding nominees for the prestigious Golden Apple Award, this year we are proud to announce that Brian Leiby, Marionville School Ag Teacher, has been selected as the 2026 recipient!
Mr. Leiby has served the Marionville School District for the past 16 years and has been instrumental in creating and completing programs that inspire and encourage the young men and women entrusted to his leadership.
Before coming to Marionville, he spent two years at Oklahoma State serving as a teacher’s assistant.
When asked what brings him the greatest joy in his job, Mr. Leiby shared:
“To see the kids perform well and get rewarded for their efforts.”
“To see the kids I have mentored circle back around to help their community do what they were taught.”
Some of his proudest achievements include:
Serving and mentoring his students.
Helping students find purpose and mission in their daily lives.
Assisting in the creation of the beautiful greenhouse near the ag building using local and grant funding.
Brian has always worked with a servant’s heart and believes in leading by example.
One of his favorite sayings:
“You don’t wear a suit to clean out a horse stall.”
He has never been afraid to roll up his sleeves and work alongside his students to serve the community.
The Apple Fest Committee sincerely thanks Mr. Brian Leiby for all he has done for the Marionville community. We are honored to recognize him as the 2026 Marionville Apple Fest Golden Apple Award Winner!
Please give Brian a big THANK YOU the next time you see him.
Congratulations, Mr. Leiby!