Golden Apple Award: Bobby McCulley, Jasper Middle School

JASPER, TN (WDEF) – Bobby McCulley consistently models professionalism and leadership for his students at Jasper Middle. Combine that with always being supportive and giving gentle advice, and you’ve got a recipe for tonight’s Golden Apple Award.

“We are very blessed and thankful to have Mr McCully.  He molds young fifth grade minds every day.  And gives his all to our students when he’s here,” said Heath Thacker, the principal at Jasper Middle School.

“He is very caring and understanding for our kids.  And meets them where they are and gets them to the level where they need to be,” said Thacker.

“I have been teaching for 19 years now.  And, I just really enjoy what I do.  I’ve got a wife and a daughter.  My wife teaches sixth grade here at the middle school.  And I’ve got a daughter at the elementary school in third grade,” said Bobby McCully,  5th Grade Social Studies and Science teacher at Jasper Middle School.

Student’s had great things to say about Mr. McCully.

“He’s really nice and he doesn’t really scream at us.”

“He’s nice and he’s strict.”

“He’s chill.”

“So, what’s it like being in your uncle’s class?” asked News 12’s Chief Photographer David Moore.

Another student chipped in, saying:

“Um Something. I mean I don’t really get any special treatment. I mean, but I really like it.”

“What do you like about teaching?” asked Moore.

Bobby McCulley said, “Just to see the growth.  And where we come from the beginning of the year to the end.  And see how we mature and become more educated citizens.  My teachers really at Jasper Middle, it’s kind of ironic that I end up back here again.  But I had a lot of great teachers at Jasper Middle that kind of led me to go into it and Marion County High School as well.  Every year’s a little different.  But our typical day is I have three classes, and I get to teach science and social studies every day.  So, I’ve kind of got it made. I mean I’ve got fun subjects that, that’s fun to engage students with.  So, it’s fun to really enjoy that.” 

“When these kids move on and of course the other kids for the last 19 years have moved on, what do you want them to remember most about you?” asked Moore.

“Just that we really like they were cared for number one. And we’d love and built great relationships together. And just to be… lifelong learners,” said McCulley.