AP Physics teacher Nicholas Gillies is the August recipient of the Golden Apple Award. He was selected by May’s recipient John Bowen.

“He seems like he has a lot of fun with what he teaches,” Bowen said. “ He knows the material, he holds students to high standards, and that’s everything we want at Starr’s Mill.” 

Gillies tries to show his students that they can achieve much more than they thought possible through challenging them in their studies. He has shown his students that if they put their minds to a task they can achieve great things. 

“I show them that things that are challenging can also be rewarding and learning is a process,” Gillies said. “Things don’t always go your way initially, it’s what you do to respond to that.” 

Gillies has been teaching for 22 years, eight of those years being dedicated to Starr’s Mill.

Outside of school, Gillies is involved with College Board activities and likes to spend time with his family. 

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.