Phoenix teachers receive Golden Apple Award from Senator Ritchie

by Submitted article | June 16, 2014 9:28 pm

New York State Senator Patty Ritchie recently presented 65 teachers from across Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties with a Golden Apple Award for Teaching Excellence for their efforts to encourage students to succeed.

Pre-Kindergarten teacher Lisa Balles of MAM is pictured reading to her morning class. Balles is a 2104 recipient of the Golden Apple Award, given by Senator Patty Ritchie to exceptional teachers who show dedication and commitment to education. Balles has taught at MAM for 15 years and graduated from the Phoenix Central School District.
Pre-Kindergarten teacher Lisa Balles of MAM is pictured reading to her morning class. Balles is a 2104 recipient of the Golden Apple Award, given by Senator Patty Ritchie to exceptional teachers who show dedication and commitment to education. Balles has taught at MAM for 15 years and graduated from the Phoenix Central School District.

Among those recognized were Lisa Balles from Michael A. Maroun Elementary School and Lisa Spereno from John C. Birdlebough High School.

The honorees were nominated by colleagues, former students, current students, friends and family members.

The award was created by Senator Ritchie to recognized educators for going above and beyond to inspire those they educate.

Along with the recognition, each recipient was awarded $500 in special funding to be used for making improvements in their classrooms.

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