Jillayne Lessord, West Ridge Elementary School

Our News 8 Golden Apple Award winner teaches Kindergarten because her Kindergarten teacher was her favorite teacher. We surprise Jillayne Lessord at West Ridge Elementary School in Greece.

Mrs. Lessord has taught kids of all ages, but Kindergarten is her favorite. "She loves her job" says Principal Dr. Mark Balsamo. "She is the epitome of a Kindergarten Teacher. She's taught other grade levels but primarily Kindergarten. Kindergarten is her passion. It's her love. She wouldn't want to be doing anything else."

Bradey Green is a little boy who struggled in pre-school, until he ended up in Mrs. Lessord's classroom. Jenny Green is Bradey's Mom. She asked us to surprise her with a News 8 Golden Apple Award. "It gives us hope that he is going to be successful academically and he enjoys coming to school now. And he loves Miss Lessord and it's huge."

Great teachers like Jillayne make kids feel special and their parents too. Great teachers are inspiring. Just like Jillayne's Kindergarten Teacher Mrs. Neuschler. She still keeps her picture in her classroom. "I think that's one of the best parts of the job when I see former students and they remember things from Kindergarten. And that's the reason I'm a teacher, is because of my Kindergarten teacher. I love this age and I love the parents because they're trusting me with their kids."

Jillayne Lessord is a News 8 Golden Apple Award winner. If you scroll down you can read the letter we received from the Green family nominating her.

Dear News 8,

This is Bradey's 4th school in the same number of years. He has struggled from pre-school through a montessori program with building a true relationship with his teachers, enjoying school, and being motivated to do his best. This year, Mrs. Lessord has found a way to connect with him, take time to build and foster that relationship and motivate him in a way to help him be successful. We have seen such improvement in his attitude toward school and growth in him in this year. Ms. Lessord is able to read her students - and truly GET them. She takes the time to figure out what needs to be done to help them continue to grow, and does her best to make it happen. We are so grateful for her, and for Bradey's opportunity to have his kindergarten year with her...he wouldn't be as successful without her, and we would love for her to be publicly recognized for the passion and caring that she brings to her students and families.

Sincerely,

Jenny Green, Bradey's Mother