Evelyn Woods truly exemplifies what it means to be a “teacher/leader”. In her role as ESL coordinator, she has been a continual inspiration to both instructors and students. Evelyn not only shares her values and vision of excellence with other instructors, she also includes them, when appropriate, in the decision making process. She is an advocate for student learning and for the continued growth and learning of the instructors in her area. As coordinator, Evelyn encourages all instructors to pursue further professional development and education in order to enable each instructor to reach his or her full potential. Evelyn’s personal and professional influence can readily be seen both inside and outside the ESL classroom. Evelyn always strives to show instructors, students and staff the greatest respect. She models excellence in her position and always pushes herself to do more than expected or required of her position. She is often observed supporting and encouraging students even after the long work day has ended. Evelyn has also served as an inspiration through her personal struggles. Even while battling cancer, she has always remained positive and courageous. It is because of Evelyn’s spirit of cooperation and pursuit of excellence that she exemplifies the criteria of the Golden Apple Award.

Nan Thompson makes extraordinary contributions daily in her role as Business Sciences secretary both to the department and to Isothermal Community College. She willingly shares her gifts, keen eye and expertise with both faculty and staff. In the spring of 2009 Nan enthusiastically agreed to share her time and energies with the Applied Sciences department by helping in their office three mornings a week. As with any task, Nan willingly offered her skill and assistance. During a year that presented many challenges, including increased enrollment and budget shortfalls, Nan demonstrated the true nature of a team player by embracing her expanded role eagerly. She willingly accepted any task assigned to her no matter how big or small. She performed each task with a cheerful attitude and a genuine desire to help others. Nan exemplifies the quality of an outstanding, dedicated staff member who possesses personal integrity and a thoughtful communication style. It is for her willingness to serve others and her dedication to Isothermal Community College that Nan has been selected as a Golden Apple Award winner for 2008-2009.

Whether in her role in continuing education or serving on committees across campus, Marnie Beaver exemplifies the principles of Isothermal Community College’s commitment to learning. Her attitude is always upbeat and helpful, consistently going the second mile for nurse aid students, online students and any other student or instructor that happens to cross her path. No matter how stressful the situation, Marnie always speaks to students and instructors in a kind and respectful manner. This year in addition to her other duties, Marnie assisted with the opening of a second nurse aide classroom. Even with the added work load, Marnie never lost her positive attitude or the smile on her face. It is obvious to those who know her that she values education and strives for excellence in everything she does. She demonstrates this commitment in her willingness to take on additional tasks as well as pursing her own higher education. Her dedication and commitment are an inspiration to those around her and it is for this that Marnie Beaver has been chosen as a Golden Apple recipient.

Vickie Searcy comes to work every day with a smile, ready to serve Isothermal Community College and prospective students. Her dedication drives her to stay late nearly every day to make sure the Admissions Office is ready for the next day. Vickie’s greatest asset is her caring and nurturing personality. Vickie treats every student or prospective student with the greatest respect and always gives them the time they need to understand the process, whether it be 30 seconds or 30 minutes. Being a former displaced worker herself, Vickie demonstrates a compassion for students that goes beyond the requirements of her job. She never hesitates to come out from behind her desk and hug a student in need of encouragement. Her calming demeanor helps to soothe anxious and scared students. Students feel so comfortable with Vickie that they often return after they have completed the admissions process just to speak to Vickie and give her an update on their progress. Over the past year, even with the increased number of prospective students, Vickie’s calm reassurance and patient attitude have never wavered. It is for her consistent support and commitment to Isothermal and the Learning College that Vickie has been chosen as a 2008-2009 Golden Apple award winner.

Susan Hendrick exemplifies everything that the Golden Apple Award represents; excellence, respect, integrity, care and inspiration. Susan’s larger than life personality and generous hugs exude a warmth and kindness that make her unforgettable. Susan’s desire to help is so great that shortly after retiring from the public school system she came to Isothermal and began working with students again. It is not uncommon to hear Susan call a student by name that she taught or advised 20 years ago. Not only does she remember each student’s name but also their family, and life situation. Susan is still able to remember most of her 200 advisee’s names. In addition to remembering each student’s name, Susan takes time with each student to answer their questions and provide a detailed account of the steps involved in becoming accepted into the nursing program. Even with increased numbers of students Susan never fails to stay positive and share her bright, friendly smile. In addition to her dedication to advising and counseling students, Susan also represents Isothermal in the community through her involvement in numerous organizations and clubs. Her dedication to Isothermal Community College students and her commitment to her community make Susan a deserving recipient of the Golden Apple Award.

Lisa Padgett exhibits all of the traits exemplified by the Golden Apple award. She is committed to excellence is all areas of her position. One example is her ability to manage multiple budgets and remain compliant with regulations. In addition to striving for excellence, Lisa also maintains a warm, friendly atmosphere that is always infused with a sense of fun. She is always quick to acknowledge and celebrate along with her colleagues when there are significant events in their lives. Lisa also demonstrates a cooperative spirit and a willingness to help others. In addition to helping out with needed tasks in Student Services, Lisa also serves on the TALC Professional Development taskforce and generously helps with the meeting minutes for the Student Services department, ACA steering committee and the Assessment Taskforce. Those who know Lisa will agree that it is hard to have a “gloomy” day when she is around. Lisa can always find a gentle way to speak with an angry parent, address students misbehaving in the Student Center or ask someone to put out a cigarette at the visitor entrance. She just has a special way with people. Lisa is resourceful, friendly, and fun to be around. It is for all these reasons that she is a shining example of the Golden Apple Award criteria.

One of his coworkers wrote: “Bret Watson has done a terrific job at Isothermal. Not only with PTK and the newsletter, etc. but he has been a tremendous help and support with Campus Life… I have seen his preparations for class and they are very professional. I’ve also heard several students comment on what a good teacher he is and how much they like him.” He is a conscientious and dedicated advisor, and he has been generous with this time, energy and talents, helping out with volleyball and other activities on Sports Day; with the Health Fair and Environmental Awareness Day; and with our campus-wide global awareness efforts. He has also given his time generously and without complaint to cover classes for his coworkers dealing with illness in their families. He is a true team player. Bret embodies and promotes the spirit of the Learning College in everything he does. The recent PTK president stated, “Bret is an incredibly hard working, talented and caring individual. As a teacher he strives to always push his students to do their best and reach their maximum potential. He does not tolerate laziness or excuses in his class but expects everyone to try their hardest at whatever task is at hand.” Our students, our college and our community have been enriched by Bret’s efforts in his brief time at Isothermal. Imagine what the future holds.

Nathan Fisher has been chosen as a Golden Apple Award winner this year because of his continuous commitment to excellence and his significant contributions to the college. This year Nathan made substantial changes to his curriculum, initiated NCCER certification for his students, and conducted classes around the construction of a new multi-purpose shed. In addition to these accomplishments, he also researched all of the new equipment needed for the welding lab renovation which he designed as well as purchased and supervised the placement of all the new equipment. During all of the renovation and moving around to accommodate construction, Nathan has maintained a positive attitude and continued to promote learning for his students. As a result Nathan is well respected by all of his students and has developed a welding curriculum and lab area that is state-of-the-art and truly prepares students for jobs in the 21st century. Through all of this, Nathan has demonstrated great patience and integrity and has served as an inspiration to students and peers. The contributions he has made in this year alone will be reflected in his program for many years to come. As stated in Nathan’s nomination, he not only is deserving of a Golden Apple-“he probably deserves a whole bushel.”