ARLINGTON When Kent Prairie Elementary fifth-grade teacher Donnica Farnsworth corralled her students into the cafeteria May 8, she wasnt expecting to be the star of the assembly.
Representatives of the Wal-Mart SuperCenter in Quil Ceda Village surprised Farnsworth by presenting her with a certificate for Teacher of the Year in Arlington, as well as with an oversized $1,000 check for Kent Prairie Elementary.
While Tulalip Wal-Mart Co-Manager Keith Kent and Assistant Manager Richard Crookes handed the certificate and check to Farnsworth, Tulalip Wal-Mart Good Works Coordinator Mary Jane Hayes explained that nominations for the area Teacher of the Year were collected at the local Wal-Mart from fellow educators, as well as past and present students and parents of students, to recognize their favorite teacher for excellence in the classroom.
You have a great, outstanding teacher who goes beyond the boundaries of her classroom to help her students, said Hayes, as Farnsworth received a $100 gift card to Wal-Mart and her students were given a celebratory cake. Hayes elaborated that Farnsworth is now eligible to apply for the state Teacher of the Year contest, which could bring an additional $10,000 in contributions to Kent Prairie Elementary.
Hayes recalled a letter from the mother of one of Farnsworths former students, which described her as dedicated, caring, knowledgeable and accessible. Hayes noted that several nominations echoed the letters characterization of Farnsworth as well-rounded and generous with her time and talents.
To me, it felt like she took a personal interest in my daughter, but then, I realized she did this with all her students, the letter read. She wants every child to succeed and teaches in the best way she can to ensure that will happen Teaching is not just a job for her; it is a major part of her life. This is shown to both her students and their parents.
As her parents, Jack and Marlene, stepped forward to congratulate her, Farnsworth herself deflected many of these compliments to her pupils and peers.
What an honor it is to teach in Arlington, and at Kent Prairie especially, Farnsworth said. We have such wonderful students and incredible staff that its an honor to be here every day.