PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — Prince George's County Public Schools is wrapping up National Teacher Appreciation Week with surprise awards.
Craig Mitchell, a physical education teacher at Buck Lodge Middle School in Adelphi, Maryland, was awarded a $1,000 Amazon gift card sponsored by the American College of Education.
Principal Kenneth Nance presented Mitchell with a mock check Friday morning alongside his colleagues and several students.
"Nervous, excited, thankful...I mean I don't know what to say," said Mitchell.
"I'm passionate. I love the students here at Buck Lodge as well as the principal, the administrative staff, it's an exciting time to be here," Mitchell added.
Following the surprise at Buck Lodge Middle School, district leaders headed over to Charles H. Flowers High School to surprise English teacher Keisha Williams with a $1,000 check from Educational Systems Federal Credit Union (ESFCU).
Both Mitchell and Williams were chosen out of more than 6,000 applicants across the district. A total of 19 teachers will receive various prizes.
Here's a list of all the prizes awarded:
Courtesy of American College of Education
Five (5) $100 Amazon Gift Cards (one per day)
One (1) $1,000 Amazon Gift Card (grand prize at end of contest)
Courtesy of Educational Systems Federal Credit Union
One (1) $1,000 Teacher Appreciation Award
Courtesy of Wegmans
Five (5) $100 Grocery Gift Cards
Courtesy of Kaiser Permanente
Five (5) Deluxe Harry & David Gift Baskets (delivered to the school sites of winners)
Courtesy of The Hotel at the University of Maryland
One (1) Spa Service of a 50-Minute Signature Massage & Signature Facial
Courtesy of Mall at Prince George's:
One (1) Dining Prize Pack
One (1) $20 Miller's Ale House Gift card
One (1) $30 Outback Steakhouse Gift card
One (1) $100 Hook & Reel Gift card