Deanna Rush, a counselor at Union High School, was recently honored with the prestigious Golden Apple Award by WGBC for her exceptional dedication to education. Rush was named the January 2025 Teacher of the Month, and the surprise announcement was met with enthusiastic applause and students chanting for her.
"It was a very big surprise," Rush said of the moment she discovered she'd won. "It makes me feel appreciated. It makes the hard days worth it because it helps you know that you really are making a difference."
Rush is no stranger to education or the Union School District. Now completing her 25th year in education, she's served the district in multiple roles including English teacher, elementary principal, and counselor—her favorite position. Having grown up in Union and graduated from Union High School herself, Rush maintains deep roots in the community. Her connection spans generations, from her grandfather attending the school to her own children currently enrolled there.
As a counselor, Rush wears many hats, providing emotional support, academic guidance, and practical help with college preparations and scholarship applications. She proudly highlighted recent student achievements, including two seniors who secured substantial scholarships at Mississippi State University and another accepted into an early-entry pharmacy program at Ole Miss.
Yet, beyond academic success, Rush emphasized her greatest pride: the respectful and thoughtful students at Union. "Every time I have a visitor on campus, they always tell me, 'Your kids act different. Your kids are the best kids,'" she said. "That to me makes me more proud than any scholarship or award they can receive."
Rush credited her inspiration to pursue education to the impactful teachers in her own life. She described teaching as a calling, emphasizing its profound ability to influence students positively and shape their futures.
"I believe that it is something that God has for us to do," Rush said. "If you feel that call, don't run from it."
Rush received several honors as part of the Golden Apple Award, including $1,000 in school supplies from Avery Products, a $300 cash prize, and a $500 Walmart gift certificate. She will also nominate a high school senior for a $1,500 college scholarship and will be celebrated during a televised weeklong recognition event on local stations from March 10-16.
She will be honored alongside other monthly recipients at the Golden Apple Awards Banquet on May 8, 2025, at the Mississippi Arts & Entertainment Experience, where the Teacher of the Year will also be announced.
