Four Jacksonville teachers surprised with $15K award

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. —

Four local Jacksonville teachers received a big surprise on Wednesday when they were awarded the 2022 Gladys Prior Award for Career Teaching Excellence.

Action News Jax spent the morning at Andrew Robinson Elementary School where one of the special teachers was honored for her hard work.

Third-grade teacher Meshellia Hughes couldn’t hide her surprise. “I am not worthy, but I am eternally grateful, Hughes said.

Hughes was so overcome with joy she wiped her eyes after she received the check from the University of North Florida College of Education and Human Services.

“My heart was overwhelmed. I feel so honored,” Hughes said.

Hughes was presented with this check right here for $15,000 to thank her for all her work in her nearly 30 years of education and everything she’s done for her students.

The award was created in 1998 by Gilchrist Berg to recognize both public and private school teachers in Jacksonville who made a significant impact on their students.

Officials with the University of North Florida told us that choosing among so many exceptional teachers is no easy task.

“It is a tough selection process, there is a nomination letter and letters from students, parents, colleagues, administrators that are all reviewed by a team of former educators,” Dr. Diane Yendol-Hoppey, UNF COEHS Dean said.

One by one, students got up to thank Ms. Huges for all her hard work and dedication.

“She’s kind caring. She’s really encouraging,” Jael McBride, a 3rd-grade student said.

“It just goes to show that they appreciate the level of pushing that gives them to be great,” Hughes said.

Hughes said she continues teaching because for her it’s all about inspiring the next generation to achieve their full potential.

“I like seeing lightbulbs pop on. I like seeing children go from rising one level to the next,” she said.

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