Denise Alfieri, East Rochester Elementary School
By: Kevin Doran
Updated: April 12, 2011
It's one of our biggest News 8 Golden Apple surprises ever. All the teachers, students and staff at East Rochester Elementary School helped us honor Denise Alfieri.
The school auditorium was packed. East Rochester Elementary School Principal Dr. Harold Leve had just called Mrs. Alfieri to the front and we snuck in the back to surprise her. Everyone erupted in cheers! She was shocked. "I'm very, very surprised and very honored."
Denise Alfieri teaches fourth grade. Last year Ralph Burgio transferred into her class. He was a little afraid and she made it easier. Ralph says "She helps me out and stuff. Sometimes I can come after school and she helps me with my homework."
"It's an honor" says Denise. "Ralph Burgio is a very special person and he will forever impact my life."
Mrs. Alfieri has been a teacher 19 years. She grew up in East Rochester and still lives there.
"And I love teaching here because I'm giving back what was given to me which was a wonderful educational experience."
"She helps students be successful in school" says Dr. Leve. "She carries out her teaching responsibilities and the students learn from her. It makes them successful and they enjoy coming to school because of teachers like Mrs. Alfieri."
Denise Alfieri is a News 8 Golden Apple Award winner. You can read the letter we received from the Burgio family nominating her below.
Dear Channel 8,
Mrs. Alfieri has helped my son Ralph a lot since he moved to East Rochester in August of 2009. Ralph has made huge accomplishments with the help of Mrs.Alfieri. His reading level has gone up, all his grades have gone up and he has learned to control himself better with her help. He has real bad ADHD and does real well with her help. She is the best teacher he has ever had and we wish she could teach him every year. Please give her this award she deserves it a lot.
Sincerely,
April & Ralph Burgio
