Local Teacher Gets Big Reward

Memphis, Tn - All of East High School was called to the auditorium on Thursday for an assembly. Teachers and students didn't know why, including 10th Grade English teacher Meah King.

"I'm usually the pep rally person, so I was told to get the kids excited, not knowing what this great announcement was. I didn't know it was all for me."

When Ms. King's name was announced, she was shocked, a $25,000 check from the Milken Family Foundation was handed over.

Ms. King had been nominated and won based on one simple thing, being a great teacher.

"I just came in doing what I'm supposed to do every day and it's just that somebody took note. I never thought somebody was paying attention. I just do what I'm supposed to do."

King says the first thing she's going to do is donate some money to her church, and then has no plans yet for the surprise check.

"I am very excited and thankful and prayerful to God for all these blessings…this is huge because it's a national award. But also, it's 25 thousand dollars!"

The Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Education was at the assembly for the announcement.