PEARL, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
Teachers and students at Pearl Lower Elementary School Tuesday morning may have thought they were gathering for an assembly on academics, until someone mentioned a big money prize for one teacher.
Someone was about to receive $25,000 from the Milken Family Foundation out of California! But who?
The room was tense and quiet until the name was revealed... Sabrina Morgan!
In her 11th year teaching at the school, Morgan thought she was dreaming as she approached the stage to accept her check. The Milken Family Foundation, which began in 1985 by awarding exceptional teachers in California only, now awards up to 40 $25,000 prizes across the country each year.
We asked Sabrina if she had any idea she was receiving the award.
"No idea at all. I'm shocked, very excited," she says.
We asked some of her first-grade students what they like best about her teaching techniques.
"She's nice because she helps you with stuff, she does good things," says Will Hayes.
"She makes learning fun. It's not boring stuff. You can have fun doing it," Jacob LaFontaine tells us.
"I like to watch them learn. I love for the light to come on. It gives me a joy to see that," Morgan says of her love of teaching.
A former Milken Award recipient himself, Gary Stark with the NaIional Institutes of Excellence in Teaching presented the award.
"This year the focus is on elementary schools. Next year secondary schools, so it alternates," he says.
Over the years, the Milken Family Foundation has awarded $1.6 million to teachers in
Mississippi.
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