Ooltewah High School Band Director Joel Denton, This Week's Golden Apple Winner

"This is not a job, it's a mission."

That statement seems to resonate through Denton's entire program. Something band parents seem to recognize.

" He's a parent and mentor to his band members and emphasizes education as well as music arts."

A parent and mentor to 1-30 kids he sees five days a week, sometimes more. They march several hours a day, and practice in-class on top of that. And Denton doesn't let his kids settle for mediocre.

"You don't worry about beating other people. You worry about achieving at the best level you can."

"(Sheila Sims - Band Parent) He sort of like, gets the kids to go over, go over, go over until it's perfect."

All that hard work has paid off... The band has taken top 20 ratings in the National Bands of America Competition, has performed in the Sugar Bowl, and just last year was the first band from our area to march in the Macy's Day Parade. But Mr. Denton says he doesn't do it alone...he credits great parents, support staff, and most importantly, the kids.

"(Denton) When you get a group of students to achieve at their best, they're usually a lot better than they think they can be."

And that's what Mr. Denton says it's all about. Not being the best, but being the best you can be.

"(Denton) I teach the best kids in the school, and they're not the best kids because they're in band. They're the best kids because they're committed to excellence."

"(Denton) I tell people in my life...Faith, family, friends, and Ooltewah Band."

To nominate your special teacher, pick up an entry form at your local Bi-Lo...

...and send it to Golden Apple Award, P.O. Box 24-38, Chattanooga, TN 37409.

Then watch WDEF News 12 Tuesday nights at 6:00 to see if your teacher was chosen.