LIMA, N.Y. (WROC) — Congratulations to Lara LaChapelle, our latest Golden Apple Award winner! She teaches third grade at Lima Christian School. Congratulations to Lara LaChapelle, our latest Golden Apple Award winner! (News 8 WROC/Katrina Irwin) Those who know her say that Lara LaChapelle is one of those people who is just meant to be a teacher. "Lara really just shows love, compassion, and kindness. She really meets students where they are and helps them to achieve what they can for their future," said. Principal Vicky Britton. LaChapelle was nominated for a Golden Apple Award by a co-worker who also happens to have a child in her class. "He loves a lot of things outside of school. Sports and playing, and she really connects with him about those things and makes him excited to come to school," Parent Mindy Christa said. Mrs. LaChapelle has been teaching on and off while raising her own children for the past 20 years. This is her second year at Lima Christian School. "Everyone always told me I should be a teacher. I love children, I love helping children," said LaChapelle. She is a firm believer in learning through play and makes fun a priority in her classroom. "I think it's important that kids have a fun time at school.  It's not just come in, open up a book and learn, and I think that if they have a good time, they are more apt to learn, and I think it just makes it fun for everybody," said LaChapelle. That philosophy is working for Christa's son. "He is always excited to learn and do his studies, and that's one of her main goals. If kids are excited to come to school and want to be there, that they will learn better, and she's really focused on making his learning experience something that he enjoys," she said. "If it's in your heart, just do it. The best thing you could ever do is make an impact on a child. If you want to become a teacher, then I think that is your calling," said LaChapelle.   Golden Apples: Golden Apple Award: Congratulations to Lara LaChapelle! Golden Apple Award: Congratulations to Mr. Wilson! Golden Apple Award: Congratulations to Alexandra Benza! Golden Apple Award: Congratulations to Chiquita Graham! Golden Apple Award: Congratulations to Tara Fox! ...read more read less