BELTON (May 13, 2009)—Golden Apple Award winner Christina Pehl is usually not known as a woman who has trouble finding words, but this dedicated teacher was left speechless by her Golden Apple win.

Christina says teaching is her true passion, and she has been in a classroom for the past nine years.

Four years ago she arrived at Belton ISD's Joe Pirtle Elementary and says she has been loving life ever since.

A mom herself, Christina treats her student as though they are her extended family; in fact she even calls them "my kids."

Christina enjoys teaching the kids how to read, a subject that she struggled with as a child.

By teaching, Christina says she is able to help make sure no child goes through the frustration that she experienced growing up.