I (Kristi Latour) would like to recognize Andrea Lussier for the Golden Apple Award. Andrea was one of the first people I met when we were hired to work at Bellevue. Although we were both intimidated by our first year of teaching, I was extremely thankful to have her as a friend who was there for me through our first year and beyond.

Andrea has handled all of the difficult behavior situations she has been dealt with such grace these past two years. She has mastered the art of watching out for her students and keeping them engaged with learning, even when it may seem impossible. It is obvious her students have so much love for her and admire her as their teacher and even a motherly figure that they can go to with anything they need. 

When you peek in her room, you can find her sitting with multiple kids in her lap and always giving them her undivided attention. Her room is calm, clean and collected and students are truly eager to hear what Ms. Lussier has to teach them. It is obvious how much Andrea cares for her students, and her students are also able to recognize that. 

It is truly amazing the academic and emotional difference Andrea is able to make in her students' lives. They sometimes come to her struggling to identify letters and leave her room flawlessly reading sentences. On multiple occasions, Andrea has gone out of her way to bring in things for students that they may not have at home and offers support in anyway she can to her families.

Andrea is a support to all staff in the building. She is always there to listen and remind you how much you are valued.  She is an active member in our school through her work in the District Improvement Team and bringing fresh ideas to every meeting. I am so thankful to have a colleague and friend like Andrea, Bellevue is very fortunate to have her!