Golden Apple Award: Megan Snider, Orchard Knob Elementary
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – In just five years, Megan Snider has become a beloved fixture at Orchard Knob Elementary. She has a gift for making every student and faculty member feel welcomed and loved. For going above and beyond on a daily basis, we awarded Megan Snider with the Golden Apple Award.
Vonetta Maston is the Principal at Orchard Knob Elementary School.
She says, “We love Miss Snyder. She is so instrumental in the things that we’re doing here, our culture, all of that. She’s trained us with restorative practices. She’s in and out of classroom. She’s built relationships. She’s just a huge asset here at Orchard Knob.”
Ms. Snider says, ” I’ve always worked at Orchard Knob elementary. I’ve taught fourth grade before this position, and I just love what I do. I can’t imagine being elsewhere. I am married, and as someone one of the kids mentioned, I am pregnant. So, I have a little baby boy coming in May. And my husband and I, we live here in Chattanooga. I’m originally from Nashville, Tennessee, born and raised there, and my husband’s from Jamaica, so that’s a little fun fact.”
Alan Shorey teaches Art at Orchard Knob.
He says, “I love Ms. Snyder’s positivity and humor. Also. I have her on speed dial. She will come out and help me if there’s any behavioral issues in my classroom. And she’s just always very supportive.”
Katie McNeese teaches Music at Orchard Knob.
She says, ” Ms. Snyder is one of the nicest people I know. She loves big, she loves the kids, and she would do anything to help anybody here at Orchard Knob.”
Fifth grader Amiaya Harris says, “Ms. Snyder is so pretty, and she’s the best teacher ever. When we are down, she will come over there and help us figure our problems out.”
Fifth grader Ta’Sonja Colvin adds, “When I was in fourth grade and I needed help a lot, so when I needed help, she would help me a lot. And she’s a thankful teacher, and I’m thankful for her.”
Fifth grader Taimere Lavender chips in, “About Ms. Snyder. She had a personality.”
Ms. Snider concludes, “I am also a musician outside of school. My husband and I have a band called Fresh Mind that we perform around town, and we do reggae and pop and rock music. So, it’s fun because I get my school fill, but then I also get my music fill, too. I want them to remember that I am on their side and that even if they make a bad choice, that doesn’t make them a bad kid, and that it doesn’t matter how many bad days you have in a row, you still have the chance to fix it, and that I’m here to help you do that. Because at the end of the day, they’re not going to remember that I taught them a lesson on rounding whole numbers. They’re going to remember that we connected, that we went on field trips, that we did fun things together. And so, I just want them to remember that I care about them, and I love them and I want the best for them.”
