Hampton, Va. - This week, we're recognizing a very special educator. We found out about her from a persistent 11-year-old student who was determined to get our cameras to her classroom!
Donna Halpin, a teacher at Hampton's Eaton Middle School, was stunned when she found out what one of her students had done.
That student, Tymaya Bonner, sent a total of four emails. The first came a few weeks ago explaining why she had nominated Mrs. Halpin for the award. It read: "Before I came to Eaton Middle School, I was not good at math and I did not like it, but now I love math."
Other emails followed. Tymaya told us how the entire class loves their teacher and about how this teacher "has changed her life."
It wasn't just Tymaya who felt this way, other students chimed in saying Mrs. Halpin teaches in a way that kids can relate to and does in a way students can understand it.
One of Tymaya's classmates said Mrs. Halpin is like a mother to her.
That's why NewsChannel 3 presented her with a People Taking Action award along with a $100 Visa gift card from our community partner Southern Bank, which Tymaya jokingly said, "Oh gosh---you can give that to me."
Mrs. Halpin said she was overwhelmed at being recognized and Tymaya's determination and told us early on she knew her career path.
"As a child, I always wanted to teach math. I find great satisfaction when I'm teaching and I see the light go on in the child's eyes."
