Jay Gauthier, T.C. Armstrong Middle School

This week's News 8 Golden Apple Award winner is a Technology Teacher at T.C. Armstrong Middle School in the Wayne Central School District.

Jay Gauthier teaches his students to build things. But what he's really doing is building character. Mr. Gauthier says he likes teaching Technology classes because it bridges the gap between academic classes and the real world.

Ninth Grader Kyle Nelson wrote to tell us all about his favorite teacher. Kyle says "No Matter what the day or how busy Mr. Gauthier may have been, he has always taken the time out of his day to just simply be there for me or just talk about life."

Fortunately for us, Mr. Gauthier has an open door policy, so we just dropped in and surprised him.  Jay Gauthier has been a teacher 16 years. He works hard to build relationships with students in school and out. "I think because the job goes beyond the regular 7 to 3 o'clock hours. I mean if a kid needs you you need to be available for them."

Tracy DonVito is the Head of the Technology Department in the Wayne Central School District. "He teaches them the technology content that they're there to learn but he also teaches them really important life skills."

Jay says that's "Because we're preparing them for life. I mean straight A's are great but you have to be prepared for life and the real world."

Jay Gauthier is a News 8 Golden Apple Award winner. You can read Kyle's letter below.

Dear Channel 8,

  Mr. Gauthier once said, "Help someone take a stand, than stand with them." These inspirational words have inspired myself, and several of my peers, to do just that. I have especially been affected by these words through not only Mr. Gauthier but my close friend, Thomas Gorsky.
   Throughout the past years Mr. Gauthier has helped me in many ways with numerous personal problems in my life. No matter what the day or how busy Mr. Gauthier may have been he always has always taken the time out of his day to just simply be there for me or just talk about life. These talks have helped me in ways big and small, whether to just get me through the day or to completely change my outlook on life. Today, thanks to Mr. Gauthier's involvement in my personal affairs Tommy, Mr. Gauthier, and I have successfully taken a stand.
   "Mr. G" as the kids like to call him, has instilled in me not only the confidence to conquer my problems, but has shown me the importance of the little things in life and to never take anything for granted. Mr. G deserves this award for a list of reasons far too great to simply mention in an essay. He not only teaches the curriculum but also teaches life skills. These skills include the ability to problem solve, be yourself, and the principle of honesty. Mr. Gauthier is the most deserving candidate for the Golden Apple. "Help someone take a stand, then stand with them."

Sincerely,

Kyle Nelson, Gananda 9th Grader