Apr 02, 2007 - Getting some students motivated to learn can sometimes be tough, but one teacher is using his talent and skills to inspire 3rd graders.

March's Golden Apple winner is proof that learning can be fun.

Willow Primary schoolteacher Michael Ritchason says he loves working with children.

He finds ways to make the job fun.

Michael Ritchason, Golden Apple Winner, said "We try to spice it up a little bit. We'll do games or I'm not afraid to sing a silly song or dance around on tables or do a skit."

That's why 3rd grader Nick Campbell and his sister nominated Ritchason for the March 2007 Golden Apple Award.

Ritchason attended this assembly thinking he would introduce someone else for recognition but that was not the case.

"You don't expect it, you just kinda do your job. I don't do it for awards or recognition. You do it cause you love teaching," said Ritchason.

And Ritchason's students love him.

Nick Campbell said "He's really fun. He makes everything fun like reading. We don't know that we're actually learning. I like to coming to school cause you never know what Mr. Ritchason is going to do."

Ritchason also teaches them the importance of giving back to charities.

For the past 4 years his students have raised money for St. Jude Midwest Affiliate.

"The first year we set a goal of about 500-dollars and we thought that's a lofty goal. We'll never get that. That first year we raised about 12-hundred dollars and it was kind of a nice way, not only are students learning academically but hopefully they're learning to give back to the community," said Ritchason.

Ritchason says this year the entire school will raise money for St. Jude. Students say it's that kind of leadership impact which makes him a good teacher.

As part of his Golden Apple Award Ritchason, and his family will enjoy a 2007 Nissan Altima for 1 month courtesy of Uftring Nissan. And BankPlus provided a check for 500 dollars to help with classroom supplies.