Golden Apple Award
The
Exeter-Milligan first graders made their monthly trek to the Exeter Senior
Center on Wednesday, December 18 but this time they were filmed for
television. So in addition to decorating cookies and coloring Christmas
pictures with their friends at the Exeter Senior Center the students got their
chance to be on television.
Their
teacher, Mrs. Sara Pella, had been nominated for the 10/11 News Golden Apple
award. News personalities Taryn and Jon Vanderford were in Exeter to
present the award to Pella for her dedication to making a difference in the
community and her students.
Pella,
a York College graduate, began teaching at Exeter-Milligan in 2014. She
taught fifth grade for one year at Exeter-Milligan before taking over for
retiring first grade teacher Sharon Lott. Lott began taking her first
graders to the senior center to read to them and interact with the seniors in
2011 and Pella continued the practice of the monthly gathering at the senior
center.
“The
students love going to the Senior Center. We have had a bigger turn out (from
the senior citizens) each time we have gone this year, which is great, because
I know the Seniors love it just as much, if not more.”
The
relationships the students form with senior citizens continues outside of the
senior center according to Pella, “When the students are outside of
school and see someone they have visited at the senior center, they
get so excited and make sure to tell me that they saw them. I know many
of the students spend a lot of time with their own grandparents, but being able
to still share a similar connection once a month means so much to those
seniors who may not get to visit their grandchildren as often.”
Pella
was nominated for the Golden Apple award by Exeter resident Roma Rhodes.
Rhodes filled out the paperwork almost a year ago nominating Pella for the
distinction. “We’ve so enjoyed her visits with the first graders for
several years. The interaction is very special to each of us, the kids as well
as the seniors.”
According
to Taryn Vanderford, “I choose five of the top nominations each month and then
forward them to a committee made up of Doane representatives and two employees
of 10/11 and they decide on the winner.”
When
she learned about the award Pella was “honored, thankful, and definitely
surprised. I don't feel like I need to be honored for ‘doing my
job.’ All I want as a teacher, is to make an impact on the students I get
to teach, the girls I get to coach, and anyone else I come into contact
with. I guess, I don't feel like I need an award for that, but I am so
beyond grateful for this award. It truly means so much, knowing that you
are making an impact on those around you.”
The
only hard part about receiving the award was being interviewed for a spot which
will air on Christmas night. “Nerve-racking! The interview wasn't
necessarily the nerve-wracking part, it's knowing ALL of these people will be
watching it Christmas evening! Of course I wanted the interview to go
perfectly, flawless, say the right words...I guess we will see in a few days!
But in all seriousness, it was an honor to be interviewed and I just hope I can
make Exeter-Milligan proud, because I am so proud to be able to call this
wonderful community my home!”
A
teaser will air on 10/11 at 4 and 5 p.m. on December 25th with the
full story to run in their 10 p.m. news show.
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