Learning specialist and former English teacher Juliana Wright is the December recipient of the Golden Apple Award. She was selected by November’s recipient Derek Abrams. 

“Mrs. Wright is one of the nicest people I know at the school, and she is just a great person. She works so hard for her students and she will do anything to help them succeed,” Abrams said. “The fact that she just jumped from an English teacher to now special [education] to help the school out, it just shows her selflessness and just the person she is.” 

Wright’s philosophy is to meet the needs of the students where they are. Getting to know the students is the best way to figure out how to help them best, including how to meet their needs in reading and writing. 

“I am honored that Derek Abrams gave me the Golden Apple. It has been strangely the most challenging year I’ve had in a long time. But at the same time, it’s the best year I have had in a long time,” Wright said. “I really enjoy working in the special education department and working with the students I work with.” 

Wright went to the University of South Florida and earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Education. She went to Florida Southern College her first year of college and started her master’s degree at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary but did not finish it. She recently returned to school to finish her master’s degree in special education through Kennesaw State University. 

Having been a classroom teacher for 33 years, Wright has taught every grade level in English as well as AP English at the high school level. At the end of last school year she made the decision to switch into the special education department at Starr’s Mill as a collaborative English teacher. She also serves as the school’s reading specialist. 

“Others recognize that your heart is in your job and you’ve put forth every effort to do the best you can everyday for your students,” Wright said.

Wright will receive $100 from Farmer’s Insurance to spend on curriculum or instruction. She is still deciding on what materials she will buy for her students. She also received a gift certificate to Lisa’s Creperie in Senoia, and a free haircut from Mane Hair in Peachtree City, among other additional awards.