Peete Elementary Teacher Home from Deployment; Golden Apple Award - KYTX CBS 19 Tyler Longview News Weather Sports

By Meghan McDermott

Lieutenant Commander Debroah Allen-Jones of the U.S. Navy Reserve is just returning from a one year deployment to Landsthul, Germany with the 13 Delta Medical Surgical Unit. This morning, she received a thunderous welcome home at Peete Elementary School.

Students read aloud letters, for a heartfelt homecoming for a very special school nurse.

"Thank you from my heart for your prayers and words of encouragement," said Peete Elementary Nurse, Debroah Allen-Jones.

Instead of treating children's runny noses and scraped elbows, nurse Jones has been treating some of the most serious war wounds.

"When the wounded warriors came from Afghanistan, or any war area, they came to Landsthul Regional Medical Center," said Jones.

Now back in Tyler she's spreading her message to Peete students that patriotism starts at home.

"So when you have a student that's in a crisis help them like I help the soldiers. We can all help one another be better," said Jones.

Although she's spent 13 years juggling the Navy and being a school nurse, this is the first time Jones has been deployed.

"It was just awesome. To know that I was able to help the wounded warriors-- that was a gift in itself," said Jones.

Right now, the Peete PTA is collecting art supplies for wounded warriors being treated at Landsthul Regional Medical Center.

And now it's time to spotlight an educator... Robin Carrell is an english teacher at Maude Laird Middle School in Kilgore. Carrell has been teaching english for six years. When asked what she loves most about her job, Carrell says it's having the chance to help students beyond the classroom.

"Individually helping the students. Being able to just help them in their personal lives and academically of course," said Maude Laird Middle School teacher, Robin Carrell.

CBS 19 is proud to name Robin Carrell, of Maude Laird Middle School, our Golden Apple Educator. To nominate a Golden Apple Educator, send a nomination to mmcdermott@cbs19.tv