~by Dustin Teays for The Scranton Journal
Being an educator includes being involved and engaged in the lives of your students. A local administrator was just recognized for their outstanding impact on their students.
Paton-Churdan K-12 principal Annie Smith was announced as a Golden Apple Award winner March 6. The award is presented by WHO-TV through a nomination process and goes to educators who are continuously dedicated to reaching and improving the lives of students. The award, which was presented at the school, came as a big surprise for Smith.
“I was so surprised in general that they were able to pull off this secret and organize this surprise. Once I realized what was happening, it was really emotional and touching. I feel so blessed to work at Paton-Churdan with the staff, students, and families that I do,” Smith said.
While the award was a surprise for Smith, it wasn’t a surprise for those who work closely with her, including Paton-Churdan Superintendent Brian Johnson. To Johnson, Smith is a one-of-a-kind educator that goes above and beyond for her students.
“Annie is the heartbeat of the district. She provides the Rocket Family with stability and consistency. Annie is Paton-Churdan. I have not worked with anyone like her. She will not give up on the Paton-Churdan Community or anyone associated with it. Whether a P-C student/family needs any support, emotional, academic or something else, Annie is there, good or bad, through the ups and downs. I have seen other educators do similar things, but not to the level or consistency of Annie,” Johnson added. I have had the privilege to work with many, many great educators, past and present, but from what I have observed in the past nine months, without question, Annie is at the top. She inspires me.”
For Smith, her job in education is truly something she loves and it’s more than just making sure students are receiving a good education. It’s also making sure the students are taken care of and truly thriving in life.
“I think getting to come to work in a place where people truly care about other people is so inspiring. Of course it is our job to make sure kids are getting great academics but it is all the other little things that everyone is doing for students, for each other, and for the community that sets us apart. Everyone works to step up if someone is in need, everyone works to make sure kids and families have what they need, and we support each other as a staff,” Smith added.
Teachers and administrators are those people in life who spend countless hours with kids making sure they are learning, growing and set up for success later in life. Not only do those who work with Smith have nothing but amazing things to say about what she does, Smith also has a special place in the heart of the students in the district.
“She greets us every morning with a hug and a smile and asks how we are doing,” 8th grader Chelsie Thompson said.
“Mrs. Smith is funny because she tells me to put my smile on my face and stop putting it in my pocket. She is a good principal and she gives me a hug. She is happy when I give her hugs,” P-C 3rd grader Reese Jordan added.
“She takes care of us and the school. She is nice to ALL teachers and all students,” 1st grader Xavier Schultz said.
“Living the ups and downs of the emotional roller coaster of our own lives is too much for some of us. Annie lives her own life, worries endlessly about her own family, but also spends countless, sleepless hours for ALL Rockets,” Superintendent Brian Johnson
The Paton-Churdan Community School District is a better place for having someone like Annie Smith and the best part is you don’t have to just take my word for it, there is no shortage of staff and students who will all agree.Comments On Annie Smith
