AP physics teacher Nicholas Gillies is the August recipient of the Golden Apple award. He was selected by English teacher Brandon Kendall.

“He teaches a really, really difficult class,” Kendall said. “He makes the material very accessible and comprehensible to students.” 

In the classroom, Gillies likes to teach through telling a story. He also likes to help students by showing them they can get the answers themselves. 

“I think I’m a lot like Rafiki in the ‘Lion King’,” Gillies said. “I’m giving you all the pieces, but ultimately, I’m trying to get you to believe in it and pull things out yourself.” 

Gillies has been teaching at Starr’s Mill for nine years out of his 23-year career. 

“I liked science,” Gillies said. “It was just more of ‘Hey, promote [an] interest in science’.” 

Outside of the classroom, Gillies likes to play music, do yard work, and beat math teacher J.B. Campbell at golf. 

Gillies receives $100 from Farmers Insurance to spend on curriculum and instruction. He will also receive a free large pizza from Buck’s Pizza, a gift certificate to Lisa’s Creperie in Senoia, a goodie bag from Safelite Auto, and a free haircut from Main Hair in Peachtree City.