COCHRAN, Ga. — For one Bleckley County teacher, making an impact in her students' lives is what keeps her going.
Before her teaching career wraps up, she has received a special honor: My Teacher is Tops!
Mrs. Kandi Lucas is a 2nd-grade teacher at Bleckley County Primary School and has seen generations come through her classroom.
She's been teaching 2nd grade for 15 years, but teaching for 30 years altogether.
However, these students are her last. Mrs. Lucas is retiring at the end of this school year.
Student Layla Marie Payne sent in a handwritten letter about why her teacher is tops.
"My name is Layla Marie Payne and I would like to nominate my teacher Mrs. Kandi Lucas for My Teacher is Tops. She teaches 2nd grade at Bleckley County Primary School. She gives the best good morning hugs, she is caring, she encourages us to do our very best every day, and she makes math fun. When we do good, she gives us extra recess and she gives us the best snacks. She is very kind and this is her last year teaching. She will be retiring at the end of the school year. She will be missed and I am glad I got to be in her class this year. As you can tell, I hope she gets this award. Love, Layla."
After a few tears of joy, Mrs. Lucas talked about why teaching second grade is so special for her. She says throughout her 30 years of teaching, the best takeaway is the number of kids she's impacted.
"They have my heart," Lucas said. "I was in 1st grade 15 years and this makes 15 years in 2nd grade and they're precious. They've grown maturely and they're lovable and that touches my heart."
Congratulations Mrs. Lucas!
Now that so many students are back in the classroom, 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!