Our First Golden Apple Award Honors a Home Bound Teacher

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The winners are nominated and chosen thanks to the words of people who believe in them.

Reneé LaSalle has your first Golden Apple Award.

When Pam Andrews of Lakeside Academy of Math, Science, and Technology first took a job as a home bound teacher she didn't quite know what she was getting into. But she did it anyway and kept a little boy from falling behind. Her colleagues say she shows a special interest in every child she teaches. That's why she's tonight's Golden Apple Award winner.

Williamson: "This is our story about an angel disguised as a third grade teacher..."

For Bobbie Williamson and her son Dustin, Ms. Andrews was literally a Godsend. Three years ago Dustin broke his leg so badly he couldn't go to school. So he wouldn't fall behind in his class work, Hamilton Co. Schools supplied a homebound teacher.

Andrews: "When I went to the Williamson's home. You know, Dustin was in a cast and we were kind of...I didn't know what to do and I don't think they knew what to do."

Four days a week for four whole months Ms. Andrews was in the Williamson home. But the relationship between a little boy and his teacher didn't end there. Ms. Andrews tutored Dustin in the 2nd grade. Last year she was his third grade teacher.

Williamson: "She still continues to help Dustin, to this day... and she probably always will. She's a part of our family now."

Williamson says Ms. Andrews takes a special interest in every child she teaches.

Williamson: "A lot of teachers put their time in and they're done for the day. Not Ms. Andrews."

Spending long hours in the classroom, helping with school supplies and uniform, raising money for school activities, even making sure her students have her cell phone number...

Williamson: "They can come to her with anything, not just school."

Williamson says Ms. Andrews doesn't just teach math and science, she teaches her kids how to be good people.

Andrews: "I guess I just love children. And I like to make a difference in somebody's life."

Williamson: "She is our golden apple."

To nominate your special teacher, pick up an entry form at your local Bi-Lo and send it here to WDEF News 12. Then watch Tuesday night's at 6:00 to see if your teacher was chosen.