Hilton, N.Y. (WROC)— Congratulations to our latest Golden Apple Award winner, Kennedy Shurtleff! Miss Kennedy, as her students call her, is a first and second grade teacher at Quest Elementary in Hilton. "We just love Miss Kennedy so much.  My son had her last year and now again this year.  She really makes an effort to make sure that every child in her class feels seen and heard and she does all the amazing things teachers do," says Mom, Brittany Wamser. Shurtleff has only been teaching for a few years but has already made a lasting impact on her students. Wamser adds, "She teaches kindness and empathy and what it means to be a good friend and those are things as a parent that I know my child will take with him far past first grade." Wamser nominated Shurtleff for a Golden Apple Award after her son Lennon had her for Kindergarten last year and again for first grade this year. "She's a really fun and kind teacher." he says. Principal Derek Warren says, "Kennedy has been at quest now for a few years and she is one in a million. We always talk about our school wide values being welcoming and affirming, the district having integrity, people first and that's who she is."   Shurtleff has been at Quest Elementary for 4 years. She did her student teaching here, was a building sub, and now has her own classroom. She says the best part of the job is the kids. "They bring me joy each and every day.  I feel like when I wake up in the morning, I have 20 good reasons to come into work.  I just love what I do.  I couldn't imagine doing anything else." She works hard creating an inclusive classroom and believes it is crucial for learning. Shurtleff says, "I think that when they can feel like they can be kids and be themselves then that's when the learning truly happens." Wamser adds, "what makes him different is what makes him special and that's a gift that she has given him that we are so thankful for."