Jenkins County Elementary School teacher Racheal Johnson is the recipient of the Golden Apple teacher award, sponsored by WJBF television, Augusta. From left, are Mary Johnson, Larry Frails, Mrs. Johnson and Brad Means. (Photo contributed) Thursday, Jan. 12, was a sleepless night for Racheal Johnson as she had been warned by her boss, Jenkins County Elementary School Principal Tammy Hendley, to expect a guest on Friday. Mrs. Hendley would give no more details other than to tell Mrs. Johnson that she may want to dress a little nicer than the usual casual Friday attire. Mrs. Johnson, being the conscientious teacher that she is, spent the night planning an even more spectacular than usual lesson thinking she was going to be evaluated by a “big wig” and she wanted to represent Jenkins County Elementary to the best of her ability.

Around lunch time on Friday, Jan. 13, Mrs. Johnson found out, when they walked into her classroom, the guest she had been anticipating was actually Brad Means and a film crew from Channel 6 Augusta. She was shocked to find out that she was not being evaluated but was being honored. A parent of one of her math students had written to WJBF singing her praises and nominated her for the Golden Apple teacher award. The Golden Apple award is given by WJBF and their partners in an effort to recognize those who are rarely raised up into the spotlight: the dedicated teachers who go above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference in the lives and education of each student that passes through their door.

Mrs. Johnson was chosen by the Golden Apple Award committee because she more than fits the description of the type teacher they want to honor. The nominating form stated that Mrs. Johnson is a kind, caring teacher that goes the extra mile. It went on to say that Mrs. Johnson goes beyond her duties to help each student reach his/ her full potential and that she is a great role model.

Mrs. Johnson stated that she feels it is a true honor and privilege to be nominated by a parent for such recognition. She says to know you have made a difference in a child’s life makes all the hard work worthwhile. Mrs. Johnson tries to leave a little bit of herself in each child’s life and feels that God has placed her in this setting for that reason.

As part of the honor, Mrs. Johnson received a Kroger gift certificate from Kroger representative Mr. Larry Frails and a gift bag from Ms. Mary Johnson of 1 Hour Optical. Along with 31 other Golden Apple recipients, Mrs. Johnson will also be honored at a black tie ceremony on Friday, May 4, at the Maxwell Arts Performing Center at Augusta State University campus. The ceremony is free to the public. The reception begins at 6:30 p.m. and the taping for the event starts at 7 p. m. The Golden Apple award has been celebrating teachers for over 17 years. The episode honoring Mrs. Johnson should air the second week of February.

This is not the first award the 15 year veteran teacher has earned. In 2006 Mrs. Johnson was chosen by her peers as the Jenkins County Elementary Teacher of the year and then again by the Jenkins County School System as the system wide 2006 Teacher of the Year.

Mrs. Johnson resides with her husband Ronnie and their two sons, Blake and Kade, in Jenkins County.