EASTMAN, Ga. — In all stages of life, there are educators who are making a difference in the lives of young people.
This week's My Teacher is Tops winner is dedicated to her sixth graders in Dodge County and was overwhelmed with emotions during her surprise.
Ms. Sarah Ashley Winans is a 6th-grade ELA and Social Studies teacher at Dodge County Middle School.
She is also the school's teacher of the year, Bata Club advisor, the cheer coach and even teaches dance after school.
Winans says she loves middle school because her students always have something fun to say and keep her on her toes.
Not one, but two of Ms. Winan's students nominated her. Josie Kirkley and Reagan Lancaster both nominated their teacher and cheer coach.
Neither of them knew the other one was writing in!
"She's always encouraging, and helpful and builds lifelong relationships with her students. She is also one of the funniest people I know. You can count on her to bring a smile to your face each day," Kirkley said in her letter.
Lancaster read her letter next.
"She is the kind of teacher that when she is out and we have to have a substitute for her class it ruins our whole day. We feel so welcome and free to tell her anything," she said.
Winans was shocked by the surprise and very emotional after hearing what her students had to say.
"The kids really change you more than you change them. And the impact that they have in your lives is just something that you take forever and ever and ever and it'll always be with you and I couldn't imagine doing anything else," she said.
Congratulations Ms. Winans!
Students, we know you've got some teachers you love!
You can nominate them for My Teacher is Tops by writing us a letter or email.
Send letters to 1314 Gray Highway, Macon Georgia, 31211 or email us at myteacheristops@13wmaz.com.
You can also send us a video on the 13WMAZ app.
Make sure to include your name, your teacher's name, and what school you attend. Get a parent to help you upload the video, and our Junior Journalists might just surprise your teacher next!