There goes my hero...

I was absolutely delighted to read this article, and I couldn't be prouder of the woman who was always proud of me. This woman is the reason I knew that I wanted to be a teacher; she is a gift to the city of Trenton and has helped to shape many many MANY lives. I am so proud!




TRENTON: Elementary teacher receives district's Golden Apple award

By Francesca Chilargi


Patricia Mazure, a teacher at Taylor Elementary School in Trenton, was awarded the district's Golden Apple award.

TRENTON — Patricia Mazure loves teaching her fifth-graders.

The Taylor Elementary School instructor, 60, enjoys teaching the children language arts and social studies, working with them and their personalities, watching them grow and seeing the light of learning glow.

“You know that they’re getting something that you’ve been trying to impart,” she said. “I just love teaching.”

Mazure’s fervor for her students is one of the reasons she landed the district’s Golden Apple award.

She received her award at Monday’s Board of Education meeting.

Taylor Principal Janice Misko nominated Mazure for the award.

Anyone can nominate a teacher, coach, parents or anybody else for the award. The school district gives out up to seven annually and has been recognizing people since the 1970s.

Mazure, who nabbed her first Golden Apple award, is quick to point out that she can’t take all of the credit.

“I am very honored, but I really think everyone in our building is part of this because we all share the same family of kids,” she said.

Mazure has been teaching fifth grade for 15 years at Taylor and before that she taught at the now-closed Owen Elementary School.

Receiving the award surprised the city resident because it has been a while since a teacher from Taylor had been selected.

Growing up in the community, Mazure attended Trenton Public Schools and so did her four children.

She has no plans to retire any time soon.

“As long as I get up every morning, I continue to love my job and I feel I am doing my job well, I don’t see a reason to retire,” she said. “Why would you want to leave something like that?

“I am very fortunate I have a career that I love because so many people just work a job. It’s like a gift and I am not going to turn my back on it now.”