Local teacher honored with KBTV golden apple
Nominated by JJHS student
By KAREN BYERLY

GOLDEN APPLE WINNER teacher Lynn Betz goes over an assignment with Jasper Junior High student Daly Stirling-Spencer, who recommended Betz to KBTV Channel 4 for the award.

Jasper Junior High School teacher Lynn Betz was recently awarded the "Golden Apple" sponsored by BASF FINA Petrochemicals LP and KBTV Channel 4, Beaumont.

The Golden Apple Award is special because it allows the student who sees the teacher in their every day lives to decide who should be nominated.

Betz, who lives in Newton, has taught at JJHS for three years.

"There is no one in the world who can better persuade you to try something new than a person who is passionate about that new thing," Betz said.

"My passion is writing, and I started teaching writing in an attempt to not just raise test scores, but to make my passion contagious."

Seventh-grade student Daly Stirling-Spencer submitted the nomination to KBTV. Daly said,

"I nominated Mrs. Betz for the Golden Apple Award because I think she is the coolest teacher anyone could ever have. She makes our writing class interesting."

Principal Mervin Cleveland stated, "When I see Mrs. Betz I think of this quote by Ruth Smeltzer, 'You have not lived a perfect day, even though you have earned your money, unless you have done something for someone who cannot repay you.'"

Teachers can make an enormous impact on the lives of their students.

If you are a student and would like to nominate your teacher, you may do so by contacting KBTV by e-mail at goldenapple@ kbtv4.tv