Samantha Pettit from St. Matthew’s Catholic School is our November Crystal Apple Winner!

“Mrs Pettit is a 1st grade teacher at St Matthew’s Catholic school. She is so much more than just a teacher. She treats them with so much respect, and lets them be individuals. She has taught them so much more than just your average subjects. She teachers humility, respect and compassion. She keeps the attention of 27 first graders, and handles the day to day struggles with such grace and poise. She is the perfect teacher for our students and I couldn’t imagine not having her. My son is so comfortable with her that he sometimes slips and calls her mom. She is more than we could have ever wanted

Mrs Pettit walked into a class of 27 rambunctious 6 year olds and didn’t think twice. She dove in and captured their hearts instantly. To say that she was made for this is an understatement. There is no one else I would rather be teaching my little guy. She is a blessing to not only her 27 students, but the entire school. St Matthews is lucky to have Mrs Pettit.”

Crystal apple recipients each receive a Prairie Band Casino Prize pack, which includes $50 in Prairie Cash, 2 Dinner Buffets and $44 to Bingo, as well as a commemorative Crystal Apple trophy. Recipients are also entered in to the Educator of the Year GRAND PRIZE: an overnight stay package at Prairie Band Casino & Resort. The package includes one overnight stay at the resort, $100 Prairie Cash, and $50 to the Steakhouse. But that’s not all – there will also be a $1000 donation given to the educator of the year’s school!

The Crystal Apple Award honors a teacher every month that goes above and beyond for their school and their students. Think you know a teacher who is deserving of the award? Nominate them here!