‘I am eternally grateful’: Jacksonville teacher surprised with $15K check, teaching excellence award

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — This story will surely warm your heart.

The University of North Florida College of Education and Human Services plans to surprise four Jacksonville teachers with the 2022 Gladys Prior Awards for Career Teaching Excellence and a $15,000 check.

It’s one of the largest monetary awards for teachers in the nation.

Action News Jax was there Wednesday morning when UNF surprised Meshellia Hughes, a third-grade teacher at Andrew Robinson Elementary School.

“I am not worthy, but I am eternally grateful,” Hughes said after receiving the award.

Gilchrist Berg, founder and president of Water Street Capital, established the award in 1998 to honor teachers with lifelong careers in education.

Thus far, $2 million has been given to honor Jacksonville teachers.

The award is named after Gladys Prior, Berg’s fourth-grade teacher at Ortega Elementary School.

Three other Jacksonville teachers will be honored with the award Wednesday as well.

Watch Action News Jax on FOX30 and CBS47 throughout the day for updates.

PHOTOS: Four Jacksonville teachers awarded $15K

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Four Jacksonville teachers awarded 15k check

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