Student Pays Tribute to Former Teacher through Essay Contest

Published June 6, 2014

Lots of laughter, and a few tears, filled the cafeteria at Page Middle School May 21 during a surprise ceremony. On that day, Page High's Hannah Balint returned to her former school to surprise math teacher Amy Tidwell.

It was all part of the Tennessee Department of Education's Why I’m Thankful for my Teacher essay contest. Of the nearly 3,000 essays that were submitted, Hannah's essay titled Bumpfuzzling Through Algebra was named the winner for grades 9-12. In her essay, Hannah describes how Tidwell changed her academic career.

“She is a brilliant woman who taught in ways that seemed hard in the beginning, but over time became very manageable," said Hannah. "She explained things to us and made sure that we understood them, which is one of the most important things a teacher can do for their students."

Hannah surprised Tidwell at Page Middle's eighth grade ceremony, where she read her essay to the crowd of students and staff. In addition, Tennessee Commissioner of Education Kevin Huffman was on hand to present Hannah with a $500 scholarship for winning first place in the contest.

CLICK HERE to read Hannah's award winning essay.