Flower City School No. 54 teacher Tara Jones receives News 8 Golden Apple Award for her outstanding dedication to students

Rochester, New York – A Rochester teacher who went beyond her regular classroom duties to protect a student during a medical emergency has received special recognition for her work. Tara Jones, an educator at Flower City School No. 54, was honored with the News 8 Golden Apple Award for her dedication to student safety, education, and emotional well-being.

The Rochester City School District announced the recognition and congratulated Jones for her commitment to helping children succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

The Golden Apple Award recognizes teachers who make a meaningful difference in their students’ lives. For Jones, that responsibility includes much more than teaching academic subjects. She works to create an environment where children feel safe, supported, and prepared to handle unexpected situations.

Her approach to education has earned praise from colleagues who have seen how seriously she takes the needs of every student.

Jamie Hearn, a social worker at the school who nominated Jones for the award, highlighted her commitment to supporting children in different areas of their development.

“She really does encompass every aspect of the whole child learning approach,” Hearn said.

That approach became especially important during a recent medical emergency at the school.

According to the district, Jones noticed that one of her students was experiencing a medical emergency during dismissal. Rather than becoming overwhelmed by the situation, she immediately responded and performed the Heimlich maneuver.

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Her quick reaction was only one part of what helped the situation unfold smoothly.

Jones had previously taught her students how to respond if an emergency occurred in the classroom. They knew they should contact the school nurse and understood the importance of following instructions.

When the emergency happened, that preparation made a difference. The students followed the procedures they had learned while Jones focused on helping the child.

The district credited her calm response, training, and clear directions with helping everyone handle the unexpected situation.

But Jones also recognized that a medical emergency can affect children emotionally, even after the immediate danger has passed.

Once the situation was under control, she gathered her students for a social-emotional discussion. The classroom circle gave the children an opportunity to process what they had witnessed and receive reassurance following the frightening experience.

The decision reflected her belief that students need emotional support alongside academic instruction and physical protection.

Rather than simply returning to the regular school routine, Jones took time to address how the incident might have affected the children around her.

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The district pointed to that response as another example of her dedication to the overall well-being of her students.

Her actions also demonstrated why emergency preparation matters in schools. By making sure children understood what to do before an emergency occurred, Jones helped establish a classroom where students could respond appropriately when faced with a serious situation.

The recognition celebrates both her immediate response to the student in need and the daily work that made such a response possible.

For the Rochester City School District, Jones represents an educator whose responsibilities extend beyond traditional classroom instruction. Her work includes helping students develop confidence, understand safety procedures, and feel supported during difficult moments.

The district expressed appreciation for her quick thinking, preparation, and continued commitment to the children she teaches.

Through the News 8 Golden Apple Award, Jones is being recognized not only for her actions during one emergency but also for the care and attention she brings to her classroom every day.