She thought she was coming to the science lab because of some problem, but when Cole Middle School Principal Alexis Meyer stepped into the classroom, a loud chorus of "Surprise!" greeted her. Meyer was the latest recipient of the Channel 10/ Department of Education Golden Apple Award.

This is the first time the award has been given to a school administrator – usual recipients are teachers.

Education Commissioner Deborah Gist and Channel 10's Patrice Wood were on hand for the occassion, as was Supt. Victor Mercurio and School Committee members David Green and Mary Ellen Winters.

Meyer was nominated by science teacher Adam Scott, who chairs the Cole School Improvement Team. 

"Every day that we walk in the school, we always have that mindset that we do the best that we can for our students and that vision really starts with Alexis," said Scott.

"I think she deserves the award because she’s dedicated and she’s done a lot of work to build relationships with the faculty and the students here," said Mercurio. "She understands the importance of supporting the faculty and the students simultaneously. Her work has been nothing short of exemplary – I learn from her every day."

Congratulations, Alexis!