Anthem teacher honored with the Silver Apple award
Silver Apple is sponsored by Desert Financial Credit Union
ANTHEM, AZ (AZFamily)—Our newest Silver Apple recipient started in journalism but recently discovered teaching and has never looked back!
“My degrees are in political science and broadcast journalism but I come from a very creative family, so in my family, we were always creating music. I’ve danced since I could walk,” Mary Killebrew said.
Killebrew raised four kids and then started subbing at Anthem School. A few years ago, she applied for a job there and got it!
“I kind of did it on a whim. My good friend down the hall invited me to apply. I’d been subbing while I was raising my family, and she said, throw in your resume, I have no educational background other than my substitute teaching so it was taking a chance,” Killebrew added.
In a few years, she’s made a big impact on the lives of hundreds of kids in Anthem. Mary Killebrew teaches dance, art and ceramics at Anthem School with an infectious smile and can-do attitude.
Killebrew’s students say she is creative, kind, fun, generous and caring. When you step foot in her class, you can see why she was nominated for the Silver Apple. Her ability to connect with her students is remarkable. She makes them feel welcomed, energized and loved and creates an inviting and fun atmosphere for growth and development.
“I was a kid that valued fun. If it wasn’t fun, I didn’t think it was worth my time,” Killebrew said.
Arizona’s Family surprised Killebrew with the Silver Apple award along with our sponsor, Desert Financial Credit Union.
“This is overwhelming. I mean, you come to school every day and you give, give, give, give, and, yeah, you get a lot of love from these young people, and it’s fantastic. And to see them grow is very, very satisfying. But this, like, feels amazing,” Killebrew added.
Her students are lucky. They won’t get Mrs. K for just one year. She’ll be there during their entire time at Anthem School.
“The greatest part about my job is that I get them every year, so I get to see the progression. You know, a lot of teachers say goodbye to their class, and might see them in the hall, but I see these kids grow every day, and from year to year, it’s remarkable to see how they change and develop,” Killebrew said.
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