BLECKLEY COUNTY, Ga. — After a big storm like Helene there's a lot of uncertainty but teachers can provide stability and a safe place - something this week's My Teacher is Tops winner does naturally.
Junior Journalist Amarion Jones was at Bleckley County Primary school to surprise Mrs. Tripp. She was wearing Christmas pajamas - the casual attire a show of support for her fellow teachers, some of whom are still without power. Mrs. Tripp was very surprise and grateful when we surprised her. We quickly discovered that Brooks Squires, the student who nominated Mrs. Tripp, wasn't in her class. So we went down the hall to find Brooks. He was just as surprised to see us as Mrs. Tripp!
As Brooks read his letter to Mrs. Tripp, she just hugged him. "She's the best, she is kind, caring and more than helpful to her students," read Brooks. Mrs. Tripp taught him three years ago in pre-kindergarten and she obviously made an impact.
Tripp's affection and care for her students is so apparent. Just one look around her classroom and you can see that she is teaching a lot more than English-Language Arts. Signs that read 'Always believe in yourself,' and 'Our class is a family' hang on the walls. There's even an affirmation station designed to help children identify and give voice to their positive attributes.
"I am so honored," said Mrs. Tripp, her emotions evident, "I cannot believe I taught him pre-k and for him to remember me, it makes me feel like I made a huge impact on his life and I hope I get to watch him graduate from high school."
This is the second time Mrs. Tripp has won My Teacher is Tops - three students nominated her back in 2021. She's been teaching for about 23 years, most of that in Bleckley County.