Victor, N.Y. (WROC)— Congratulations to our latest Golden Apple Award winner, Melissa Stickel! She is a math teacher at Victor High School. "She's been a great addition to the math department.  Very student centered, very dedicated to making sure the students understand math, not just the c ontent but the concepts that go along with it and are able to apply it in a lot of different areas," says Assistant Principal Jennifer Grimes. Stickel was nominated for a Golden Apple Award by one of her students, Kaitlyn Cummings, who says she goes the extra mile to make sure students understand math, a sometimes a difficult subject. "She is just amazing and does so much for us and really helps us learn a lot.  and she believes in us and makes sure we know what is possible, what we are capable of," says Cummings.   This is Stickel's third year teaching, but her first at Victor. She has a personal reason for choosing this profession. "I had a really rough time growing up and my teachers are what helped me get through that rough time. So, I knew that I wanted to be that support for students moving forward and I really loved math, so," says Stickel. She takes the time to make sure everyone understands the lessons and takes great pride when something finally "clicks" for someone who is struggling. "I really try and build that connection with them and figure out what learning style works best for them.  Kaitlyn is an amazing student and tries really hard and having that connection with her has helped build some repour and trust and willingness to make mistakes perseveres through challenges," says Stickel. She loves knowing she is making a difference and has advice for others considering this line of work. Stickel says, "it's cheezy, but remember why you decided to become a teacher.  So, what I do is have this binder with letters or pictures that students drew.  So, if I am having a difficult time, I just look through that and remember why I became a teacher."   Maybe her Golden Apple Award will end up in that binder too. Another reminder of a job well done.   ...read more read less