Wow! Was I shocked when I got a phone call at the end of July when I was driving back from Salt Lake. The woman proceeded to tell me that they have been running this contest and I was nominated and since she was talking with me, I am the winner! I was so surprised. She then told me that she wanted to write an article about me to be in for their September issue of the St. George Magazine. I was thinking- ok sure that would be cool. Then she said I also might be on the front cover of the magazine---(heck no- is what I was thinking to that-- I hate the spot light-- and this is going to be ALL over town). So she set up an appointment to come and interview me. My cute former student, Kacey Carter, who was in 5th grade this last year, and I had her in first grade, was the one who nominated me as teacher of the year. She must have wrote an amazing essay! Thanks Kacey- You're the best!
She interviewed me at the beginning of August and the issue would be out the beginning of September. I was planning on surprising my family-- but mostly my parents! It was so hard to keep a secret for so long (especially because I talk with my parents all the time). But I did manage to keep it a secret- I didn't say a word. The issue came out on a Saturday morning (I thought it would be the next few days-- so I was going to have a copy delivered to my parents before it was out). But I was helping my friend Nicole move that morning and I had a ton of voice mail on my phone from people congratulating me (non of them my parents-- and I know they get their paper early in the morning). So I called my parents and Mom answered the phone:
Mom "Good morning"
Me: "So have you go the Paper this morning?"
Mom: "Yes"
LONG PAUSE..
Me: "So is there a magazine in it?"
Mom: "Yes"
LONG PAUSE... (the magazine had slid out of the newspaper but was face down) She continued to flip it over.
Mom: "IT'S YOU!"
Long Pause...
( I was laughing and crying at this point).
Mom" Do you want to talk to Dad? "
Me: "Yes"
Mom" He can't talk right now he is crying too hard"
I just LOVE my parents! I wish I was there when they saw the magazine, but being on the phone for the initial reaction was second best! :) My parents are such a great example in my life! Love them!
I love my job and the students and families that I have connected with over the years! :)
Teaching is great!
