Mount Vernon Woods receives surprise visit on teacher appreciation day

A local TV news crew and car dealership came to the Richmond Highway corridor Tuesday morning to surprise and reward teachers at Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School on National Teacher Appreciation Day.

As part of its ongoing “Pay It Forward” series, Fox 5 joined partner Easterns Automotive Group in spotlighting the important role of educators in children’s lives. Besides providing free breakfast for Mount Vernon Woods staff, Easterns Automotive presented $50 Amazon gift cards to each teacher, some of whom were interviewed by Fox 5’s Mike Thomas.

“I think the best thing about Mount Vernon Woods is that we’re a community, and we’re a family, and we inspire each other to inspire our students and to help them be the best people they can be,” said Elizabeth Morales, who teaches grades 4-6.

Fox 5’s Allison Seymour later spoke with principal Dr. Clint Mitchell and paid a surprise visit to third-grade teacher Jamelle Adamson’s classroom.

Asked what advice she had for becoming a memorable teacher, Adamson said it’s all about believing in students. “When they know you believe in them, they believe in themselves,” she said.