Four teachers were surprised during Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week with $1,000 grants from Cox Communications to spend on their classroom. 

Cox honored a total of six teachers in Northern Virginia who “exemplify what it means to positively impact the next generation,” according to a press release. 

“Their dedication to our children is why we are known for having a great school system and a great community,” Kathryn Falk, vice president and market leader of Cox Communications Northern Virginia, said about the teachers.

Read excerpts from the honorees’ nominations below, and some of their reactions. 

Rowena Hipol, Kindergarten Teacher at Eagle View Elementary School

“Ms. Hipol’s superpower is her ability to connect with students and make each child see magic in learning,” her nominator said. “She also has an exquisite ability to communicate with families and build strong home-school partnerships.”

“I was totally astounded,” Ms. Hipol said. “To be recognized for doing what you love to do is icing on the cake!”

Anne Quigley, Math Teacher at Glasgow Middle School 

“Ms. Quigley's superpower is building relationships with her students and using this information to make real-world math connections,” her nominator said. 

Although she’s never thought of herself as a hero, upon learning of her award she “realized that a hero was what my students needed and what I have been striving to be for them. To be a hero to them I must analyze all of the data available to me to assess their very specific needs and strengths, develop teaching strategies and accommodations to meet their needs and highlight their strengths and be their champion in every situation.”

Keytrell Slack, Fourth Grade Teacher at Clermont Elementary School

“Ms. Slack’s superpower is in her hands,” her nominator said. “She is able to turn any lesson into a ‘hands-on’ experience for students, which helps them learn as much as possible from her lessons.”

After she realized that someone recognized her work for her students and took the time to nominate her, “I became grateful that a group of people felt that I was deserving of an education award,” she says. “Totally over the moon with gratitude.” 

Laura Wagner, Fourth Grade Teacher at Bailey’s Upper Elementary School 

“Ms. Wagner’s superpower is building relationships with students and getting students from all levels of learning to love school and be critical and creative thinkers who take risks and problem solve with one another,” her nomination stated.