PARIS — A Paris Elementary School teacher has been chosen as the only educator in the state to receive the April Golden Apple Award. Angie Craib was nominated by the parent of one of her students to be honored for her excellence as an educator.

“Ms. Craib is an amazing educator. She is in constant contact with parents both by email and an app called Bloomz. She is patient and kind with students as well as parents,” said Bailey Reichert, who nominated her son’s teacher.

“As a parent I was very nervous about sending my son to kindergarten this year and I contacted her often at the beginning of the year. She was extremely supportive and the transition was wonderful. My son adores Ms. Craib and she is held on a pedestal in our home! My son loves school and it’s all thanks to Ms. Craib,” Reichert added.

The award, presented by Binnie Media, was created to recognize individuals who are dedicated to the intellectual and emotional growth of Maine’s children and young adults. Only one Maine teacher is chosen each month.

Craib will be honored with a certificate of appreciation, flowers, a chauffeured limousine ride to and from school and a restaurant gift certificate.

Craib has been a teacher with the Oxford Hills School District for 14 years. She spent seven years in Otisfield before taking her position at Paris Elementary. When asked what she loves the most about teaching, she said it is her students.

“I just love kindergarten. It is a special and magical age. The curiosity and imagination of 5-year-olds is just extraordinary. They make me smile every day. I love seeing and being part of the tremendous growth that occurs at this age level.  Every day is new and exciting and the children love coming to school,” she said.

FMI: www.msad17.org/Oxford-Hills-School-District/Schools/Paris-Elementary-School/about-paris-elementary.

Paris Elementary School teacher Angie Craib is winner of the Binnie Media Golden Apple Award for April.