The Golden Apple Award was presented to two outstanding educators at Luverne School on Friday, January 16, 2009. Ms. LaJuan Tomlin and Coach Andre Parks were both selected by CBS 8 as recipients of the much sought after award. From hundreds of nominations, only a select few teachers are chosen each year to receive the Golden Apple. The evaluation process looks for educators who have shown pride in their work, skill in teaching, and compassion for their students.

The former student who nominated Ms. Tomlin recounted how she was always a patient, understanding, passionate, and driven teacher. He shared how her teaching has led to many of her former students becoming teachers and returning to their alma mater at Luverne School. When Ms. Tomlin discovered that the name of her nominator was none other than Principal Chuck Alford, she recounted a story of how he and roommates at college had named a houseplant “Miss LaJuan” so that they could continue to talk with her after their graduation. After the presentation, Chris Bailey of CBS 8 commented that he would love to have had Miss LaJuan as his teacher.

In his nomination of Coach Andre Parks, ninth grade student Donte’ McCall shared how Coach Parks has positively influenced his personal behavior and his school performance. He also talked about how learning is presented in a fun and interesting way in Coach Park’s classroom.

Miss LaJuan and Coach Parks have also received a sincere congratulations from each member of their Luverne School family.