Golden Apple Winners Announced
At the May 2 meeting of the Putnam City Board of Education, five employees were awarded Golden Apples by the Putnam City Public Schools Foundation. Each honoree received a brass apple and a check for $200.
Here are the honorees along with the write-ups that Foundation representatives read at the board meeting:
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Golden Apple Award winners named in May were (back row) Susie Parker, Hefner Middle School; June Snyder, Tulakes Middle School; Amelia Gault, Western Oaks Elementary School; (front row) Michell Rowland, Putnam City North High School; and Rhonda Porter, Windsor Hills Elementary School. |
Amelia Gault, Volunteer
Western Oaks Elementary School
A helping hand, tireless asset, and true treasure are just a few of the words used to describe Amelia Gault. Amelia devotes many volunteer hours impacting both the academic and personal lives of Western Oaks Elementary before heading off to her full-time employment. Students feel the impact of Amelia’s caring heart each time they bundle up their coats, line up for breakfast or eagerly await the start of school. Amelia volunteers in whatever capacity is needed. She is tireless and has become an asset to Western Oaks Elementary -- truly a "helping hand." Just by being there, Amelia has touched many lives for the better, and she always has the students’ best interest at heart. Amelia is a true treasure, a rare find.
Susie Parker
Teacher, Hefner Middle School
Susie Parker is an outstanding teacher who has contributed so much to the students and faculty at Hefner Middle School. She is a very warm and caring person whose love of teaching quickly becomes apparent to the students, teachers, and parents. Susie especially recognizes at-risk students and spends additional time mentoring and supporting them. Susie takes students to dinner and stays after school to tutor them. Susie is definitely an incredible supporter of all students, and she is passionate about helping them to the best of her abilities. The past two years she has helped begin and organize the "Hefner Hall of Fame" which includes pictures and achievements of former Hefner students. This is just one of the ways Susie has helped promote pride and spirit at Hefner Middle School.
Rhonda Porter
Teacher, Windsor Hills Elementary School
During her seven years at Windsor Hills, Rhonda Porter has accepted numerous responsibilities. She goes the extra mile to nurture relationships and programs outside the classroom and is an avid supporter of the PTA. In the classroom, Rhonda strikes the perfect balance between discipline and fun, as well as structure and entertainment. Rhonda has demonstrated the characteristics of an outstanding teacher by being authoritative yet warm and affectionate with the children. The children respect and like her which is a difficult balance to achieve under any circumstance. She never fails to exhibit warmth and love for her students. Less-experienced teachers would do well to follow her example.
Michelle Rowland
Assistant Principal, Putnam City North High School
Believing in the personal worth and potential in each individual, Michelle Rowland truly impacts Putnam City North each day. Whether she is working with students, parents, or teachers, she nourishes whatever needs to be developed and simultaneously counsels to motivate the change that is needed. Michelle is dedicated to teaching the students healthy, appropriate limits. She is an educator in the truest sense of the word in that she educates students about how to behave in the world during their high school years and beyond. This administrator has been referred to as an "angel" and testimonies have been declared that Michelle has not only been an inspiration, but has changed lives for the better. She truly exemplifies why we are all here.
June Snyder
Teacher, Tulakes Elementary School
June Snyder is an extraordinary teacher and life-long friend to children. She has taught at Tulakes Elementary School since it opened in 1967. Her constant and ongoing effort to achieve excellence is evident by the successes of her students. June uses a wide variety of creative methods, activities, teaching techniques, and materials. She has implemented many new ideas which were considered "outside the box" before the term became popular. Helping her students grow and mature is more than what she does, it’s who she is. She is never too tired to teach life’s lessons while teaching life’s necessities. As a past principal, Mickey Wilson, says, "We feel very fortunate to include June as a member of the Tulakes team". Her selfless devotion and dedication to our students is respected and admired.