On Thursday, June 2, Hardy Elementary students and teachers gathered in the cafeteria for a special assembly, although the purpose was kept top secret. What they didn't know was that representatives from the Virginia Lottery were on site to award one teacher with a special prize. When they announced the name--Sabrina Kelly--the cafeteria erupted will squeals, cheers, and lots of hugs for Mrs. Kelly. Kelly, a fourth grade teacher, won a Virginia-themed vacation valued at $2,500 and a gift card (either for luggage or technology) courtesy of the Virginia Lottery and its partners, IGT and NeoPollard Interactive. Hardy Elementary School will receive $2,500 in supplies from The Supply Room.
Thousands of Virginia educators received a thank-you note in the Virginia Lottery’s Thank a Teacher campaign. When teachers received the thank-you notes, they could use a unique web code on the note to enter for a chance to win the grand prize. . Kelly’s name was drawn from nearly 6,000 entries submitted by teachers.
The Thank a Teacher campaign is a unique partnership between the Virginia Lottery, The Supply Room and the Virginia PTA. It’s an initiative to celebrate those teachers whose hard work and inspiration have made a difference in so many lives. Over the last six years, the program has recognized 10 educators throughout the state. This year, the Lottery doubled the number of grand prize winners from two to four and included extra prizes courtesy of its business partners, IGT and NeoPollard Interactive.
Kelly told the Smithfield Times she is grateful to have received so many kind words from her students. “Teachers, you know, that’s what we live for,” Kelly said. “We want our students to enjoy their time here; we want them to learn and grow.”