The Golden Apple

I am very happy to announce that this year’s Golden Apple award winner for excellence in education is Diana Pace.  There are so many reasons that I can think of which make Diana a deserving recipient of this award, and I’ll try to name a few of them here.   What immediately comes to mind is her selfless dedication to so many of the neediest children that pass through our doors.  She is always thinking of ways that she can reach them better, giving up her personal time to meet with them or their parents, or advocating for them in IEP meetings.  The list of the ways she devotes her time to kids could go on or a long time.  Above and beyond that, however, are the relationships Diana builds with her students—she really loves each and every one of them, even though some days they make it harder than others.  Diana is also continually looking for ways in which she can get better as a teacher.   She is willing to try new things with instruction, technology and classroom management.  She’s been at Henley for quite some time, and her love of and dedication to the school is always evident.  Whenever we need volunteers to talk about issues that impact the school and to come up with ideas to solve a problem we are facing, we will usually find Diana volunteering for that group.  Staff members often look to her for guidance and support as well, and she is always willing to listen and make suggestions that can help them along the way.  I’m so glad that Diana’s hard work and dedication are being recognized this year.   Congratulations to an outstanding teacher.