When I was in the second grade, my teacher always had a smile on her face and made learning fun. She has always had a real interest in what I do and has followed me throughout my days at Canterbury.

When I was her student, my dad very unexpectedly became very ill. She went out of her way to help my family: taking me home after school and always making sure I was okay... Taking me to special places like "crazy Pinz" and the zoo.

I'm sad because she is retiring this year. Coincidentally, she is leaving just as the Lincoln Museum is about to shut its doors for good. This teacher opened the door for my love of history. I even wrote a letter that got printed in the Journal Gazette about my love of President Lincoln.

Please recognize my teacher and my friend for loving her students and her job.

Congratulations to Mrs. McGowin, the recipient of the Golden Apple Award.

Mrs. McGowin was thrilled to win the award - but no doubt, a big reason behind that smile was seeing her grandchildren here to celebrate with her. She adores children - which is why she's been here at Canterbury for the last 27 years.

Connie McGowin/Golden Apple Award Winner: Here we can hug the kids and uh, show appreciation to them and they can hug us back and so, you know, those kinds of things kind of keep you going and keep you strong and want to stay here.

Student Stephanie Gall wrote the nominating letter. She and her mom, Sharen, feel like they've been touched by an angel.

Sharen Gall/Stephanie's mom: I just let her know that things were difficult at home and Stephanie's dad had been ill and not another word was said and next thing I knew, she had Stephanie under her wing and was you know, taking her... Said 'let me take her home... Let me help you.. Please let me help you.'

Stephanie Gall/Student: With all my teachers it's like that... I give them hugs everyday and it's really nice to know that they're there for me.

Mrs. McGowin has lots of things on her agenda once she retires... Not surprisingly, among them is keeping in touch and spending time with former students.

I'm Jennifer Blomquist for Indiana's NewsCenter.