This article appeared in my hometown paper The Eagle Tribune. Dave's Aunt Jacqui was honored for her work as a teacher. We are very happy for her ~ she is wonderful and very deserving of this recognizion!
Beloved Haverhill teacher receives praise, cash for her dedication Teacher receives praise, cash for her dedication
By Paul Tennant ptennant@eagletribune.com
HAVERHILL - Jacqui Brent, a first-grade teacher at Walnut Square Elementary School, didn't know what to expect when Principal Larry Marino asked her to step into his office.
He told her there would be an assembly for all 170 of the school's students about "behavior at recess."
It was shaping up to be an uncomfortable day for the children, who might have been misbehaving during their breaks from classes, and the teachers, who are supposed to keep the children in line.
But everything turned to smiles when Brent stepped into the assembly and got the surprise of her life. The "assembly" turned out to be a way for students, parents and school staff to thank her for her dedication to teaching.
She was selected as the winner from among more than 60 teachers in Haverhill and Plaistow, N.H., who were nominated by students as their teacher of the year. The award is given by Wal-Mart.
Everyone applauded as Rob Taylor, manager of the Wal-Mart in Plaistow, N.H., presented Brent with a $1,000 check for the school. She also received a $100 check that she can use for her class.
Brent, who has been teaching first grade at Walnut Square for 10 years, sat in a special rocking chair at the head of the room and smiled widely as she received applause.
"Boys and girls, I want to thank everyone," she said.
Seated alongside her was L.J. Trevette, now a second-grader at the school, whose nomination led to the honor. L.J. had Brent as a teacher last year.
"Thank you Mrs. Brent for all you did for me," he wrote in a letter to her.
L.J.'s father, Lawrence Trevette, attended this week's recognition assembly and was busy snapping pictures. He said L.J. and his mother, Karen, were shopping at the store last summer when they saw a notice about the contest for Teacher of the Year. L.J. said he knew "just what to do." He nominated Brent for the award.
"She's the best teacher in the world, and she has two recesses," L.J. said.
His father added, "Every teacher in here (Walnut Square School) deserves this award."
The school, built in 1898, serves students in the Main Street area, from 9th Avenue to the New Hampshire line.
