Kimberly O'Rourke, Victor Senior High School

This Golden Apple Award goes to a very special teacher from Victor. Eight students signed the letter nominating Kimberly O'Rourke.

Mrs. O'Rourke is a Math Teacher who makes kids happy. They flock to her classroom at Victor Senior High for help with homework or just to hang.

Alex Kasper and a bunch of friends wanted to thank Mrs. O'Rourke for always being their when they need her. "She's had a huge impression on me and she's helped me understand that even if I don't understand something I can always go to somebody and get help whenever I need it."

Principal Yvonne O'Shea says "She just creates a warm, inviting atmosphere in class and I think students feel comfortable there."

We walked into Kim's classroom while her students were taking a test. Mrs. O'Rourke's been a teacher 21 years. She says students today are busier than ever. "Kids have a lot on their plates and I feel like if they have places to be and comfort zones that they'll be successful not only inside of school but outside of school."

Mrs. O'Rourke says the key is making sure kids enjoy coming to school. "I tell them every year, if they're happy to be here they're going to learn something whether they like it or not. Thanks you guys, you just made my life! I appreciate it!

Kim O'Rourke is a News 8 Golden Apple Award winner.

Dear News 8,

Mrs. Kimberly O'Rourke is one of the most influential teachers I have ever had. Her determination and desire to see her students thrive far exceeds that of any other teacher I have encountered. The ability of Mrs. O'Rourke to teach students at any mathematical level and strength is exceptional.
She always makes time for everyone that needs her help, everyday after school she can be found in her room helping students with concepts and topics that are difficult for them, ensuring that they will be adequately prepared for the upcoming class, quiz, or test. It seems like everyday her classroom is overflowing with students and she manages to find time for each and every one of them.
One day last year, I had a Pre-Calculus test I was miserably unprepared for and in the five minutes before the test, she enabled me to truly understand and comprehend a topic that looked like a foreign language to me. Her ability to make complicated topics seem straightforward is a skill that few teachers can master. She also makes every class entertaining, yet informative and beneficial. Her classes are never boring, never monotonous, never tedious. She is always finding innovative ways to convey new topics to her students and making sure that each class was different from the last.
Mrs. O'Rourke is also extraordinarily approachable, allowing students to look to her for advice on almost anything ranging from life to senior quotes. The mathematics department, and the entire staff in Victor High School, are extremely fortunate and blessed to have such an amazing teacher and woman amongst them.

Sincerely,

Alex Kasper

Emma Doran

Michael Popielec

Korey MacDonald

Matt Barton

Grant Masingill

Brian O'Rourke

Jordon Cowles