Golden Apple Teacher James Olivas

ABUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Golden Apple award winning teacher, James Olivas, couldn’t have a bigger smile on his face as he accepted a shiny brass trophy recognizing what he does for kids who couldn't be at a tougher time in life.

“They’re like those kids that are the inbetweeners, they want to grow up….they want to be big, but they're still kids at heart,” Olivas said. “So, it's wonderful.”  
    
At the Golden Apple Award Ceremony, Olivas talked about what he does and why he does it.

“To pass that power of knowledge on, it's an investment,” olivas said. “If I’m going to pass it on, what am I willing to do in the classroom, jump on a desk, sing a song, do desk, whatever it takes.”    

One of Olivas’ former students talked about all the crazy things he remembers from having him as a teacher.
    
And the students he has now were just as excited to hear about his big win.

“Just went through the roof…it was awesome, them happier than I was,” Olivas said.
    
Now Olivas is smiling just as much as his kids.