Golden Apple Winner Works Hard In Class And At Home

INDIO – It’s a day full of surprise for Stefanie Riggins. First she wins KESQ’s Golden Apple award then comes and even bigger award. Her husband is the one who nominated her, by writing a heartfelt letter about how much she means to him, his kids and the students.

“The kids love her, the parents love her and I love her, too,” says Darius Riggins.

Mrs. Riggins teaches second grade at James Madison Elementary School, she’s also a wife and a mother of three young children. Her day starts early and ends late and it’s full of teaching.

“It’s a constant job with small kids here and at home,” says Mrs. Riggins. ” I get tired, but I do it because I love working with kids.”

“She is making dinner, getting the kids ready for the next day and getting herself ready for her next day,” says Riggins. ” She’s doing everything all the time.”

Although many people live busy lives, the proud husband says the way his wife handles it all is unlike anyone he knows.

“She’s so wonderful I don’t even call her by her name. Instead, I call her ‘beautiful’ because that’s what she is,” says Riggins.

Mrs. Riggins admits, it’s not always easy.

“You have to have a lot of patience,” says Mrs. Riggins.

She works non-stop to make sure her family is happy. She’s also the reason her students come to school everyday with a smile.

“I get excited to come to school,” says student, Bethany Aguir.

“She’s my favorite teacher,” says Matthew Lopez.

Whether she’s working as mom, wife or teacher; Mrs. Riggins won’t stop until the job is done and, for her, it never is.

“I do the best I can and then I wake up and go again,” says Mrs. Riggins. ” I just keep going.”

If you’d like to nominate a teacher, click on the “Golden Apple Award” link.