Golden Apple Award: Demetrius Leonard, Ridgeland High School

ROSSVILLE, GA (WDEF) – Encouragement is always part of the lesson plan in Demetrius Leonard’s classroom. He makes sure his students at Ridgeland High stay on the path to graduation and more success after that. Dr. Leonard’s determination earned him this week’s Golden Apple Award.

James Morrison is the Principal at Ridgeland High.

He says, ” Number one, (he) always has a smile on his face. His students always know that he loves them. And he goes above and beyond to make sure his students have all that they need both at school and at home, and to be prepared for life. And that’s the kind of teacher that we want here at Ridgeland High School. Because he doesn’t stop at anything to make sure his students have what they need. And we love him for it.

When asked to describe himself, Dr. Leonard says, “I am an educator. I love my students. I’ve been doing this for like 22 years. I just like, what I love what I do.  They come to me, and they are my kids, and along with getting that building that relationship with them, and then teaching them.”

Charity Word is a Para professional at Ridgeland High School.

She says, “Dr Leonard is an amazing teacher who cares a lot about his students. And he goes above and beyond for each and every one of his students. And his goal is to make sure that every one of them succeed, and graduate and move on.”

Dr. Leonard concludes, “I’m sweating right now. You know that’s, big. That someone, that I, I really, I really wasn’t thinking about, getting this type of recognition. But I was just doing what I like doing. What I like to do everyday and which is teaching. And these kids, I think it’s great! I’m, I’m thankful.”

Congratulations Dr Leonard!