Breaking News
Local News

Science teacher Amie Cochran honored with Golden Apple Award

By Mary Ann Greier 3 min read

By MARY ANN GREIER

Staff Writer

SALEM -- Seventh grade science teacher Amie Cochran received a presentation she wasn't expecting Tuesday when Salem Rotary Club members handed her the Golden Apple Award.

"I'm just blown away," the 26-year Salem teaching veteran said.

Her students had been making project presentations when her daughter Halle, a Salem High School senior, invaded her classroom, followed by Salem Rotary Club members armed with balloons and flowers, and of course, the Golden Apple.

Surprised barely describes Cochran's reaction, who wondered allowed, why are all these people coming into my room?

The surprise quickly turned to humility and thankfulness for the recognition.

"I really appreciate this. It's a high honor," she said.

Salem High School Principal Todd McLaughlin wasn't surprised at all by her selection. He said when anyone looks up the definition of a teacher, she's it.

"She's caring, she's kind, she empathetic, she's everything you would want in a teacher. I think the world of her as a teacher and a person. We're lucky to have her in Salem. She goes above and beyond," McLaughlin said.

Salem Rotary Club and the Salem Rotary Foundation established the Golden Apple Award last year to recognize outstanding educators who dedicate their lives to teaching in the Salem City School District. This was the second year for the award.

As part of the award, Salem Rotary Foundation President George W.S. Hays presented a $500 check to McLaughlin to be used to help upgrade Cochran's classroom. Salem Rotary Club President John Lundin, who's also principal of Buckeye School and a fellow educator, also presented Cochran with a $500 check.

Rotary member Geoff Goll chairs the Golden Apple Award Committe which includes Gina Dermotta, Brad Stephens, Kate Oesch, Joe Hovorka and Williams Dawes, who all reviewed the nominations.

In presenting her with the Golden Apple, Goll read from the nomination form which said,"Mrs. Cochran is known for being the 'mom' figure of all the teachers. She is always taking care of her students as if they are her own children. I have heard from multiple students that if they need something or just need someone to talk to, they know they can always go to Mrs. Cochran, the 'Goat' (Greatest of All Time). Outside her classroom, in the halls or wherever you happen to run into her, she can be found enthusiastically greeting students, always with a smile, and always sure to say a simple 'Hi, how are you?' to those passing by."

"The Golden Apple Award is our way of saying thank you," Goll said.

Cochran isn't just a Salem teacher, but an alumnus, graduating from Salem High School in 1990. She earned her bachelor's degree from Slippery Rock University and a master's degree from Kent State University. She started her teaching career at Salem in 1994.

Cochran said she had wanted to be a teacher "ever since I was in first and second grade. I used to play school. I seriously love my job every day."

Cochran also serves as advisor for the Salem High School Key Club and as head varsity girls track coach.

She and her husband, Rich, a fellow SHS grad, have raised two daughters in the school system, Halle, who's graduating this year, and Abigail, who's at Kent State University following in her mother's footsteps as an education major.

mgreier@salemnews.net

Starting at /week.