Overhills High awards Teacher of the Year to late educator days after her death

OHS gave Tammy Bush its distinguished Teacher of the Year Award on Friday.

A memorial was placed at the flag pole that included a collage of photos, a 'Hope' pink ribbon art piece and a wreath. Her husband and son accepted the award in front of family that flew in from Hawaii.

In 2019, Bush was diagnosed with breast cancer. Bush died on March 7 at 40 years old. Days before her death, WRAL featured her in a Teacher of the Week segment.

"Even students from five years ago, they still email me," Bush said. "I'll get an email from a student from three years ago asking for a letter of recommendation for college. So you know somewhere along the line, you were doing something right."

Bush taught math and kept up with her virtual teaching duties despite her sickness.

"The award was not given out of sympathy or simply to lift her spirits, it was given out of admiration and respect for the incredible work she did with students until the very end of her life," Overhills Principal Chris Pearson said. "Mrs. Bush's positive outlook and dedication to students had a great impact on the entire Overhills community and while we will miss her, we will continue to honor her by giving our students the same love and dedication that she showed every day."