Hertford teacher wins school supply shopping spree

Michelle Newsome teaches fifth grade at Ahoskie Elementary School. She said she was surprised to be awarded the grand prize of a $2,000 shopping spree to fill her classroom with educational items for next school year.

"(I had) no thoughts it would be me," she said.

When she arrived at Stones Education Superstore, Newsome learned that the store was kicking in an additional $200 for her spree.

"Teachers, all teachers, spend so much money for their classrooms. Everyone says, 'Oh, teaching is such an easy job.' It's really not that easy and it's not that cheap," Newsome said. "Any amount of money is so helpful."

More than 2,000 teachers were nominated for the prize and 50 other winners were given $500 to spend on classroom materials.

"We believe there's no better way to give back than to support and recognize excellence in the classroom," said Archie Hill, director or corporate citizenship for RBC Bank.

Newsome said she made a 10-page wish list of what she wanted for her classroom. At the top of the list were novels and other classroom books that students can read in school or take home with them.

"After I get everything on my wish list, I'm just going to have fun," she said. "I'm just going to to go down and throw (stuff) in my cart."

Newsome used the opportunity to stock up on organizational items because organization is a teaching skill she would like to improve on, she said.

She added that she has wanted to be a teacher for as far back as she can remember.

"It's always been one of my passions," she said. "One of those lifelong things that I've always loved. I've always loved the children."

The Tribute to Teachers program is in its eighth year.