Three Golden Apple recipients surprised

It was cheers and hugs all around when seven area teachers were surprised with a Golden Apple.

"I don't know what to say. Speechless for once,” said Sarah Pethan, 1st-2nd grade teacher at St. Bernard.

"I'm at a loss. I don't know what to say. Well, maybe we can get a comment from the students? Yeah, my fog room filled class this morning here,” said Scott Christy, business education teacher at East High School.

You see, the day got off to a late start because fog delayed the school day for two hours, but it was clear this year's recipients -- like Scott Christy -- love what they do.

"I’ve been in this for 20 years now. And I've never had a single day where I wake up and think, 'darn, I have to go to work.' And I guess I'm pretty lucky,” said Christy.

"What do you try to bring to the classroom? Smiles, laughter, excitement for learning every day. And have fun in the classroom,” said Pethan.

Each time Paul Jones from Partners in Education presented a Golden Apple -- whether it was to Sarah Pethan at St. Bernard, Scott Christy at East, or Ryan Long at Eisenhower… the recognition was unexpected, but genuinely appreciated.

Each time, the teachers said it's really their students who allow them success.

"It's all about the kids. When they come back to see me and they tell me that they are doing good and that they're excited. It's all about the kids,” said Long, a 5th grade teacher at Eisenhower.

And even these teachers, who have become role models, it turns out have their own role models.

"I have a...I have a big role model, and my kids know this. And it's my mom,” said Long. "Everything I got I got from her. And that's what I want to pass on to my kids. She is, she's my hero."