Fourth grade teacher Mary Beth Gallivan was caught completely by surprise today when a contingent, led by Assistant Head of School Bob Harrington, Assistant Principal Marilyn Olson, and Patty Joyce of Wal-Mart/Sam's Club Foundation showed up in her classroom carrying a giant check - a $1,000 check to be donated to the school on her behalf, as a winner of the Wal-Mart Local Teacher of the Year award.

 

Ms. Gallivan was nominated for the award by Briana Cain, one of her 4th grade students. In the note she submitted with her application, Briana wrote, "Ms. Gallivan is a great teacher. She helped me improve my grades from a B to an A. She is strict but sweet. She always gives us chances, and she never gives up on us."

 

As a winner of a Local Teacher of the Year award, Ms. Gallivan is now eligible for consideration for the State Teacher of the Year award. Wal-Mart has joined with Phi Delta Kappa International, a professional education association dedicated to research, service, and leadership to sponsor both the State and National Teacher of the Year awards. A Phi Delta Kappa committee will select one outstanding teacher from each state.

 

Ms. Gallivan plans to use the money to help pay for the 4th grade field trip to the Boston Aquarium.

 

Mary Beth Gallivan (left) receives the check from Patty Joyce of Wal-Mart (center) and Marilyn Olson, Assistant Principal for Elementary Education (right)

 

 

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