Ann Lee Walker, The Ginther School

Our News 8 Golden Apple Award winner has given hundreds of students in Brockport their foundation for a lifetime of learning. We surprise Universal Pre-K teacher Ann Lee Walker at the Ginther School.

There are a lot of firsts in pre-K. Might be the first time away from home. First time with new friends, new routines and new adult in their lives. Ann Lee Walker is the perfect teacher for that.

Katherine Markham says her daughter Aeris is fortunate Miss Walker is her teacher. She asked us to help her say thank you. "Because Mrs. Walker is a jewel. She is the best of the best. She is the most unassuming yet dynamic person you're ever going to come across."

Pre-K is not a job you get into for money or fame. Instead Ann Lee does it for the pure joy of knowing she can change a child's life. "They're so enthusiastic, they love school. and we just have so much fun together. And I love the movement and the painting and the reading stories and learning about the alphabet. It's just, it's a great age to teach."

"She is very dedicated" says Principal Debra Waye. "She's one of those teachers who is in here on the weekends. She comes in early, she stays late. She goes above and beyond and she makes connections with the children and their families. And this lasts for generations as you can tell."

Ann Lee has been a teacher in Brockport almost 33 years. After all that time it's still nice to hear how much she means to families. "It's such a nice compliment, thank you. Well again, thank you for all the things you do for kids in Brockport. Oh thank you so much. What a surprise!"

Ann Lee Walker is a News 8 Golden Apple Award winner. You can read the letter we got from Katherine nominating her below.

Dear News 8,

  After many years of teaching kindergarten, Miss. Walker, along with her assistant Mrs. Canham, has become integral to the Brockport Central School District's Universal Pre-K program.... and what joy she has brought to our lives! Miss Walker has created a bastion of warmth and exuberant exploration; in four short months I've witnessed my 4 year old daughter, Aeris, and her classmates relish in their first taste of a formative school environment... no parent could ever hope for more!
  I encourage you to consider this beloved educator for your Golden Apple award; as a 46 year old graduate of the Brockport Central School District with an older 19 year old daughter who just graduated from the district this past year, I tell you, unequivocally, Miss. Ann Lee Walker is the best-of-the-best, and we Brockporters are dearly blessed to be able to entrust our little ones into her care.

Most sincerely,

Katherine A. Markham (Aeris Powers' Mommy)