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By doing what it takes to prepare her students for middle school and beyond, Mrs. Amy Hadden, a fifth grade teacher at Hammond Hill Elementary, aims to go above and beyond.

She was one of five Aiken County teachers that were surprised in their classrooms by WJBF News Channel 6 and sponsor Kroger as a Golden Apple Award winner. Her segment will air on WJBF on Tuesday, September 22 during the 5:30 PM broadcast.

Mrs. Hadden, who teaches math and science, has taught at Hammond Hill Elementary for 20 years and takes pride in the preparation that fifth graders get before going to middle school.

“We are really big on making sure they are responsible, and we always tell them you are responsible for your own learning,” Mrs. Hadden shared. “I do the video (lesson recaps) because I told them that they're responsible for what they miss, and, and so I feel like it's a privilege to get them ready for middle school and high school, and prepare them. I hope that I'm helping them for the world out there.”

She gives credit to her administration, coworkers and family for providing balance and a great work environment for her and her students.

“My family's wonderful. They know that, especially the first month of school, I'm not gonna be home for a little while, so they are super understanding. I just have learned over the years that sometimes you just have to walk away, and it'll get done and make time for your family. I hope they would always know that I am always there for them.” Mrs. Hadden added. “It's the kids, and the admin here, and the teachers I work with, oh, my goodness, my team, they’re so much fun. So that is just why we come back. We have a great time here.”

“Mrs. Hadden's dedication to her 5th grade students, passion for teaching, and ability to make learning relevant are just a few of the many reasons she is so deserving of the Golden Apple Award.” Hammond Hill Elementary Principal Dede Scott said. “She doesn’t simply teach math, she shows students why math matters. Ms. Hadden takes concepts that can sometimes feel difficult and connects them to real-life situations that students can understand and apply to their own lives. Her students know that she believes in them, challenges them, and will do whatever it takes to help them understand.”

Several other ACPSD Teachers were named Golden Apple Award winners. Below are those teachers + airdates on WJBF News Channel 6.