"There is a teacher here who has truly changed my life forever. She was not only my teacher, but eventually became my surrogate mother. When I was in eighth grade, my home life lacked parental nurturing and guidance. I struggled as I tried to find my way through my teenage years and the pressure that came with it. Eventually, I ran away from home and ran to this woman for help. She and her husband ended up being my foster parents for six months. I will never be able to thank them enough for what they did for me. This woman is responsible for a lot of the morals I hold dear today as I raise my own family. She deserves to be recognized for the work she's done in and out of the classroom" said Andrea, the nominating student.

Congratulations to Marcia Cox, the recipient of the Golden Apple Award.

Perhaps those three simple words best tell this story of a teacher's true commitment to children and their futures.

"Our children are our hope and we just have to keep trying with them even when we want to give up or they want to give up," says Marcia Cox.

Andrea says, I know it wasn't just me that she has totally impacted. I mean, you see all the kids, you know, and she's just... I mean, she's a great teacher, she's a great friend... She's just wonderful... (laughs...)

The enthusiasm here shows these students agree and are grateful that after 28 years of teaching, Mrs Cox is still in the classroom and in their corner.