Stephanie Lair, Nathaniel Rochester Community School

Our News 8 Golden Apple Award winner really "brings it" to her kids. And that translates into success in the classroom. We surprise Math Teacher Stephanie Lair at the Nathaniel Rochester Community School.

Stephanie Lair grew up in Brockport, played college soccer at Fredonia, graduated and started teaching Math at Nathaniel Rochester Community School. Even today, Principal Connie Wehner says Stephanie is all about hard work and team work. "Expectations are high. Rigor is high in the classroom. And she just carries it through with the kids and just continues to work with her faculty team, her school team and the kids as well."

Seventh Grader Shiquajia Gaines-Richards asked us to honor Miss Lair. Shiquajia says Miss Lair turned around her Math scores. More importantly, she changed her attitude about school. "She will sit with me one on one and help me out with a problem until I learn how to do it."

Stephanie says : "That's exactly what I try to do because I know Math is tough for a lot of people. I don't know I just try to make it easier for everyone and I'm glad that that's what I'm doing. I'm honored, I really am."

Stephanie is demanding, but she's also fair and kind. "I've never got anything like this before and it really does make me happy. Thank you."

Stephanie Lair is a News 8 Golden Apple Award winner. If you scroll down you can read the letter we received from Shiquajia nominating her.

Dear News 8,

I am nominating Ms. Lair for the Golden Apple Award. See has help me a lot this year with my math. Last year I was a kid who had below grade averages in Math; I am currently passing math. I am motivated to turn in all of my class and home work assignments.

I know that I am doing well in Math because of Ms. Lair. She is a very caring and understanding teacher. She really is a dedicated teacher.

Sincerely,

Shiquajia Gaines-Richards
7th Grade
Nathaniel Rochester Community School.