BRIDGE CITY, Texas — This month’s 12News Golden Apple Award goes to an Orange County band director known for her passion for music education.
Tami Goss, director of bands for Bridge City Independent School District, leads bands at both the middle and high school levels, including the marching band. She’s recognized for her ability to create a supportive musical community that goes far beyond teaching instrumental skills.
The award highlights Goss's unique approach to music education, which she describes as more than just learning an instrument. "It's a community and we develop a skill, but most importantly we develop life skills," Goss explained. Her commitment to students extends well beyond musical instruction, creating what she calls a "home away from home" for young musicians.
Senior Gracin Weldon, a long-time band member, praised Goss's contributions. "They don't get enough recognition as it is, so it's important to give them recognition because no one sees what they do behind the scenes," Weldon said.
A nominator captured the essence of Goss's impact, describing her as an "unwavering" role model both as a person and a musician. Her passion for music education is evident in her belief that extracurricular programs provide students with a critical opportunity for self-discovery. "Within the band and extracurricular programs, we allow kids to find themselves and who they are and have a place at school that really makes them happy," Goss shared.
Goss herself was humbled by the recognition. "It's pretty awesome that they think so highly of me and our program here to nominate us for such an award," she said.
At Bridge City Middle School, Goss oversees a vibrant band program featuring instruments like flutes, trumpets, and tubas. Her approach demonstrates that music education is about far more than just playing an instrument – it's about building confidence, community, and life skills.
PLAYLIST | Meet all our Golden Apple Award winners
You can nominate our next Golden Apple Award winner
Every school year we hear about teachers and other school staff who go above and beyond for their students and the 12News Daybreak team, with your help, is looking to recognize some of our Southeast Texas educators and school staff.
We first created the 12News Golden Apple Awards to honor them during National Teacher Appreciation Week, in May 2024 and now we're bringing it back and expanding it.
Now we're expanding it to be a monthly award to honor any educator or school staff member who makes a difference in student's lives and thus makes Southeast Texas shine! We'll announce each monthly winner on 12News Daybreak.
We're looking for anyone working in the school system who's making a direct impact and difference for students. This could be a teacher, aide, administrator, counselor, bus driver, custodian, cafeteria staffer, school police officer, tutor or anyone who works for a Southeast Texas school district.
We will even consider others such as a bible school teacher, piano or music teacher.