CAL teacher acknowledged as KIMT Golden Apple Award winner

Monday morning’s assembly isn’t quite what CAL fifth grade teacher Mardy Schaefer expected, but it meant more to her than she could explain.

Schaefer on Monday received KIMT 3 News’ Golden Apple Award, given to a teacher in the station’s coverage area who was nominated by a student for being an exemplary leader and teacher in the classroom and community.

Schaefer received the award at a special assembly Monday but a previous memo about the assembly didn’t specify why. The surprise held all the way through the morning, up until CAL Principal Abby Meyer announced why students and staff had gathered in the auditorium.

“I had no idea,” said Schaefer, who has taught at CAL for 39 years, “even up until they called me down.”

Student Carter Jansen nominated Schaefer for the award. When asked why, he said, “She inspires other students to be excited about school. She’s a really great teacher.”

Schaefer said she was thrilled to receive the award and that it was one earned by not just her, but her fellow staff, students and the community as well.

“Teaching at a small school, you have such a strong sense of community,” she said. “We work so closely together, striving for what’s best for the CAL kids. The students sense that and have a feeling of support.”

She added that she was touched by a student’s wish to nominate her for the award. To simply be acknowledged, she said, let her know that what she and the faculty do makes an impact on her students.

“Students are so special to me and for them to see we are always there for them is very humbling,” she said. “As a faculty we strive to give the upmost support to the students to help them reach their potential and inspire them to be the very best and for them to recognize that means a lot.”