Outstanding area teachers receive Golden Apple Award

BROWN COUNTY - Giving out Golden Apples is sometimes a big group effort, these students of Stefanie Stainton wanted in on the action.

Stainton is a science teacher at Pulaski High School.  She's one of the instructors chosen this year for a Golden Apple and a group hug from the kids, who she says make her job a joy.

"This is very exciting and a huge honor, because I have really great students that I get to work with and great colleagues and administrators that support me all the time.  It's just really exciting and a big honor," said Stefanie Stainton, Pulaski High School Science instructor.

When we visited Aaron Pokryzwa in his Technology education class, at De Pere High School, he didn't know what to make of it, and didn't realize it was time to give out the Golden Apples.

"I thought I was another week yet. Totally caught me off guard," said Aaron Pokrzywa, Technology Education, De Pere High school.

But his family was ready, even it's littlest member, to check out daddy's award.

"It's a big honor.  I really appreciate the recognition.  I put in a lot of time and effort, and it's just nice to be recognized," said Pokrzywa.

Over at West De Pere Middle School, we caught up with this team of teachers. They work with the entire district, helping the students and staff, use technology in the classroom.

"The creativity and inspiration that the kids give you everyday.  The new ideas they come up with and the passion that they bring, accelerates the passion that we bring to it everyday, so it's cool," said Michael Slowinski, Technology Coach, West De Pere School District.

"It's amazing. It's very neat to represent all of the good things that the teachers in Brown County are doing.  I think everybody is doing a great job, so to be honored with this is amazing," said Jennifer Zurawski, Technology Coach, West De Pere School District.

Walking down the hallway at West De Pere Middle school, these student helped us surprise the next instructor with her golden award.  Kathy Rodewald works in Special Education.

"I'm happy.  I think it's great.  And I'm honored and just think it's cool that the community is able to create a bond with the educators and I hope it continues.  It's awesome," said Kelly Rodewald, Special Education, West De Pere Middle School.

After the hugs, handshakes and high fives were over, it was time to get back to doing what they do best, inspiring in the classroom.