November 2014 Winner - Helena Wells:(Northeast Lauderdale High School)

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Meridian Star Article

By Michael Stewart

Portugal native Helena Wells is fluent in English — and German, Spanish and French.

Wells, the November Golden Apple Award Teacher of the Month, is a foreign languages teacher at Northeast Lauderdale High School.

"She loves her students," Northeast Assistant Principal Emily Lee said. "Some of her students never leave the state of Mississippi. She gives them a little exposure to other cultures they never get to experience."

Golden Apple Award sponsors announced Wells' selection as the November Teacher of the Month during a surprise announcement in her class.

"When everybody walked in I was surprised," Wells said. "I didn't know what was going on. "

During the presentation, the Golden Apple Partners in Education presented Wells with $1,000 in school supplies, a $500 tuition voucher and $300 in cash. She is also in the running for teacher of the year, which will be announced on May 28 and comes with a $2,500 prize and a $2,500 scholarship for a graduating senior of the winning teacher's choice.

Wells teaches Spanish, levels 1 and 2, as well as German, levels 1-3. In past years, she has also taught French.

"This award should actually go to my students because they work so very hard to do well in school," Wells said. "It is not easy to learn a foreign language. I know that myself because English is not my native language."

Northeast High School Principal Steve Nelson said Wells is deserving of the award.