Cheers and thunderous applause resounded throughout the auditorium at Quitman High School when Michelle Davis was named November’s Golden Apple winner last week. 

Davis, who teaches 10th grade English at the school, said she was surprised, humbled, and appreciative when her name was called. 

“It made me remember why I do what I do,” she said. “I love the kids, I really do, and I care about them more than just in the classroom. I want them to be successful, and for them to see this happen to me – it helps them to see they can do things that might change someone else’s life as well.”

Howard Savage Jr., the school’s principal, said Davis exemplifies everything that teachers need to represent.

What makes her different? Her passion for teaching, he said.

“She works hard and motivates and inspires the kids daily,” he said. “Every single day, she comes in with a goal to try to make sure each student is learning to the best of their ability. I think that is what prepared her to win this distinguished award for herself and our school.”

A place of security 

Davis, who’s been an educator for 26 years, said school was a safe place for her when she was young. That’s one of the reasons she decided to become a teacher.

“Growing up, I moved around quite a bit, so school is where I felt secure,” Davis said. “I had really good teachers, and I appreciated them. I found them to be knowledgeable and so helpful, so I just decided I wanted to be like that one day for children.”

Davis’ favorite thing about being a teacher? It makes her feel young at heart.

“I enjoy working with young people and I try to let them know just because I’m older doesn’t mean I don’t understand,” Davis said. “I’ve been where a lot of them are, and I want them to know that there was a time in my life I wasn’t so successful. “I want them to have hope for the future and know they can do what they want to if they will set their mind to it.”

High marks

Three of Davis’ students – Jacy Waltman, Gavin Mosley and Shemiah Smith, give their teacher high marks.

“She just radiates with positivity, and always pushes us to do our best, and strive for the best,” Waltman said.

“She is always there for you if you ever need a shoulder to lean on, or talk about anything,” Mosley said. “She is just an overall great teacher and person.”

“She motivates us to be the best we can be in a positive way,” Smith said. “She is like a second mother to everyone.”

Making a difference

Davis said she wants her students to know they can discuss anything in class – only if they are respectful to one another, and respect other people’s feelings.

“You have to make sure you don’t cross lines because teenagers are passionate about some things and they need to speak,” Davis said. “I tell them all the time they don’t have to agree with me all the time, but they have to be respectful. That’s something I feel like if they learn now it will carry over into their lives.”

Her advice to new educators: Money isn’t everything. 

“I encourage them to go with their heart, because sometimes you get paid with things more than money,” Davis said. “This award means more to me than money. This award shows me that I have made a difference.”

About the Golden Apple Award

Meridian Community College is the title sponsor. Golden Apple Award Partners in Education key sponsors are The Meridian Star, The Meridian Family of Stations Bounce TV and Cozi TV of Meridian, EMEPA, Mississippi Power, Aotech Computers, Richard Schwartz, Citizens National Bank, Mississippi State University-Meridian, Avery Products, Woodstock Furniture. Participating sponsors are Meridian Coca-Cola Bottling and Labiche Jewelers.

Davis received a laptop and desktop computer, as well as a Teacher of the Month Certificate, $300 cash award, and $1,050 donation to his Adopt a Classroom account and $1,000 towards a Graduate Degree at MSU-Meridian.

The eight monthly winners will be invited to the Golden Apple Teacher of the Year banquet next May. The teacher of the year will again receive a custom made Teacher of the Year Trophy, $2,500 cash to be used at their discretion and a $2,500 scholarship to be awarded to a deserving student in the teacher’s name. The student chosen will also receive a new $1,500 laptop computer.

How to nominate an educator

Nominations for the monthly Golden Apple Award can be submitted by parents, faculty, or community members as well as past or present students. Candidates must be a current, full-time, faculty member in Pre-K through 12th grade (public or private) and work in the following counties: Lauderdale, Neshoba, Kemper, Clarke, and Newton in Mississippi; and Choctaw and Sumter in Alabama. The nomination process consists of an essay (no more than 500 words) detailing why the person should be considered for the award. Nomination details and an entry form are available online at www.goldenappleawards.com.