Carroll County Middle School teacher Denise Smith arrives at school each morning by 6:45 a.m., not because she has to, but because she wants to. After 28 years in education, her passion hasn’t dimmed—it’s only grown brighter. This year, her unwavering dedication is being recognized with the Golden Apple Award, one of the highest honors for educators in the region.
Smith, a 7th-grade English Language Arts Focus teacher and longtime reading intervention specialist, admits the award stirred deep emotions.
“After 28 years of teaching, it made me feel very valued and appreciated,” she said. “It reminded me that the work I’m still doing in this building is important. It allows me to know that I’m still fulfilling my purpose.”
Carroll County Schools Superintendent Casey Jaynes said, “The Golden Apple Award, presented by the Northern Kentucky Education Council, recognizes the best students and teachers in more than 20 school districts in Northern Kentucky. We are certainly proud to have Mrs. Smith be recognized for her dedication to our students and school community.”
Smith was nominated for the award last year as well, but says being chosen this year is a testament not just to her longevity, but to the heart she pours into her classroom every single day. Though eligible for retirement, she chose to return for her 28th year because of one simple reason—her students and fellow educators asked her to stay.
“The kids said, ‘Our school needs you.’ My teacher friends said, ‘We need you.’ So I’m still here—and glad for it,” Smith said. “I just have a tremendous passion for teaching and sharing my knowledge with others.”
That passion is evident in everything she does, from celebrating student growth—whether it's a raised hand or a lightbulb moment—to donning costumes for school spirit days. She’s shown up to school dressed in full Renaissance garb, and once danced through the lunchroom in a chicken suit and cape to the beat of the Chicken Dance. Years ago, she even pulled off a surprise appearance as Ozzy Osbourne, complete with “Crazy Train” and an air guitar routine.
“My classroom isn’t normal,” she laughed. “I do fun, odd things to inspire kids. Whatever it takes to make school exciting and memorable.”
But beneath the humor and costumes is a deep commitment to making every student feel seen and supported.
“I was a struggling student in math growing up,” Smith shared. “I tell my students all the time—I never want any child to feel how I felt. Scared to ask questions, scared to admit I didn’t know the answer. In this room, I celebrate even the smallest moments of growth. Because those moments matter.”
She describes her teaching style as filling “academic potholes”—seeking out gaps in understanding and patching them with care, research, and individualized attention. With tools like Lexia and close tracking of student data, she ensures no child falls through the cracks.
“Data is how we roll in here,” Smith said. “But it’s not just about numbers. It’s about celebrating the growth behind those numbers, the effort, the desire to learn.”
Her joy doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Smith frequently runs into former students in the community—now adults—who take time to talk with her, to thank her.
“When they stop what they’re doing to say hello or tell me I made a difference, that’s when I know I’m where I need to be,” she said. “It’s even more special now, because I’m teaching the children of my former students. I get to be a part of that legacy.”
Her husband and daughter, proud and excited, have long known what the Golden Apple Award confirms: Denise Smith is the kind of teacher who changes lives.
“There’s nothing better than seeing tremendous potential in a student and watching them grow and learn and meet that potential throughout the school year,” she said. “Knowing I was part of that process fuels my passion for teaching.”
And in return, she says, her students teach her something new every day.
“Middle school is the heartbeat of me as a teacher,” Smith said. “There’s so much uncertainty at this age, so much change. If I can be a steady, positive force in that process, then what greater thing could I ask for?”
For Denise Smith, it’s never been about accolades. It’s always been about the kids.
“I do things because it needs to be done and because it’s the right thing for kids,” she said. “They’re not just my students. They’re my kids.”