Math teacher John Bowen is the May recipient of the Golden Apple award. He was selected by April’s recipient Justin Spencer. 

“I have long respected the way [Bowen] holds students and athletes accountable for their own learning, for their own performance,” Spencer said. “He has not only set an example to which I aspire, but he sets an example for the entire Starr’s Mill Panther community.” 

Bowen tries to help push students and athletes to be their best selves by encouraging them to do the work for themselves. He believes that in order to be successful, students need to do the work themselves and believes that teaching is a lot like coaching. 

“Trying to help people be the best that they can be,” Bowen said. “Point them in the right direction, so that they’re actually doing the work in order to be successful.”

Bowen has been teaching for almost 30 years and has spent 12 of them at Starr’s Mill. He is also the head coach of the varsity girls soccer team.

“My dad was an officer in the army, so he was always in charge of people,” Bowen said. “It’s just kind of what’s natural to me to help a group get better.”

Outside of the classroom Bowen enjoys being around his family and watching soccer. 

Bowen receives $100 from Farmers Insurance to spend on curriculum and instruction. He will also receive a free large pizza from Bucks Pizza, a gift certificate to Lisa’s Creperie in Senoia, a goodie bag from Safelite Auto, and a free haircut from Mane Hair in Peachtree City.