Fighting back tears, Beth Stackpole thanked her family, friends and students for helping her win the Golden Apple Award presented by Trenton Public Schools.

Stackpole received the award in front of many of her family members at the regularly scheduled Trenton Board of Education meeting Monday.

"I would be remiss in accepting this award on my own," Stackpole said. "My parents have been my rock...and they have raised me to have pride in myself and my community."

Stackpole was nominated for her special attention to students' needs including taking time out for her students, as well as other teachers' students, and parents.

"We are very impressed and congratulations," Cristine Howe, a member of the Trenton Board of Education, said.

Teachers are nominated for the Golden Apple Award for their dedication and outstanding contributions of time, talent and efforts in support of students, parents and staff according to a Trenton Public Schools release.