(WJAR) — NBC 10, the Department of Education and Ocean State Credit Union headed to Johnston to honor another exceptional teacher with a Golden Apple Award.
This week's honoree is Kerri Yekelchick, a second grade teacher at Winsor Hill Elementary School.
Yekelchik is known for her creative ways to help students learn. When Brody Dutilly was in her class years ago, she helped him double the goals set for him.
That's why his family nominated her.
"She helped me with my work and she made me feel like school was home," Dutilly said.
"This is what makes our job the best, it's these guys here," Yekelchik said.
Yekelchik comes from a long line of teachers in her family, who were in attendance for the presentation.
Commissioner of Education Angelica Infante Green presented the award to Yekelchik, with a warm reception from all of the second graders.
"You are an exemplar for all of our teachers in the state of Rhode Island. Congratulations. Thank you so much," Infante-Greene said.
"I am so touched," Yekelchik said. "I work with a wonderful group of people and I work with wonderful children and I love them all so much."
Yekelchik also gets a $250 grant from Ocean State Credit Union.
Yekelchik, planting the seeds of knowledge that last a lifetime.