The Golden Apple Award is given to a teacher who is nominated by a student(s). This year, Cathedral Prep English teacher Mr. Kent Peightal was awarded with the Golden Apple recognition. He was given this award for his hardworking ability in the classroom and staying loyal to what his true colors are.
Mr. Peightal loves teaching his students while telling stories that he has endured along the way. Nicholas Hedderick and Nicholas Trageser are the two students who nominated Mr. Peightal for this award. Hedderick stated, “I’m really glad Mr. Peightal won this award because he is a fantastic teacher who really cares about his students and wants them to succeed. He doesn’t just teach us about English, he teaches us about life.”
Trageser added, “I’ve known Mr. Peightal since preschool when he used to teach me tennis lessons. Ever since he’s been a great person to look up to throughout the years. It was very lucky for me to then have him for my senior year of high school. He has taught me how to be a man of Prep and to work for what I get. “
From these words, you can tell that Mr. Peightal has touched students’ lives not just by being in the classroom but in relation to what students are going through at this time in their lives. When asked about his own receiving of this award, Mr. Peightal said, “I was caught off guard with this surprise. I had no idea that it was even being given out nor did I know that I was getting it. I’m very thankful and astounded that I was honored with this. It truly means a lot. I guess me wasting time in class about my life stories paid off.”
He was really surprised by this due to the fact that the Senior Class of 2017 got an email saying “After 1st Lunch, Mr. Peightal is being awarded with the Golden Apple Award so get as many students as you can to go shock him. Do not tell him.” After lunch that day the students all piled into his room without saying a word until the news came in to come interview him. Mr. Peightal was just sitting there in shock about what was going on. He was right then and there awarded with it, which brought a gracious smile to his face.
Be sure to tune in tonight, Jan. 11, to Action News 24 (WJET 24) to watch a replay of the JET 24 and Edinboro University presentation of the Golden Apple Award to Prep’s own Mr. Kent Peightal.