FRUITPORT, Mich. — Our first Teacher of the Week surprise of 2024 happened at Beach Elementary with Fruitport Community Schools. You will see in the video the moment we surprised a longtime teacher with the district.
Teacher of the Week Bobbie Wash said, “Absolutely amazing, this is a shock, completely.”
She teaches fourth grade at Beach Elementary and said the surprise came right on time.
“I was very surprised, yes, happily surprised. It’s been kind of a rough year, personally. We’ve had some family issues going on and just knowing that I’ve got these guys to come back to, they truly brighten my world and I love being in this classroom,” said Wash.
Beach Elementary School principal Jason Bogue said, “Oh, my heart's just got so filled with joy. I was so happy.”
He also said Ms. Wash is someone both students and staff can lean on.
She told 13 ON YOUR SIDE that she was, “born and bred in Michigan. I have been here in Fruitport for over 30 years. I knew growing up from a really early age that teaching was what I wanted to do and I never wavered from that. So, I started teaching at 21 and I’m still cruising.”
The principal hopes it stays that way.
“I always say, if I can get one more year out of her. So, at the end of the year, ‘hey, one more year Mrs. Wash.’ So, at the end of this year, we’ll just kind of see if we can get one more year,” said Bogue.
As long as she wants it to stay that way, of course.
“She’ll earn that retirement at some point, but hopefully it’s one more year,” Bogue said, laughing.
The newest Teacher of the Week explained that there are many reasons she keeps coming back, pointing to her students and saying, “These guys. These guys. Every day is so rewarding because you can see those little light bulbs come on,” adding, “We do our best, right? To work together and try some different things.”
She said she was never expecting the surprise.
“That feels really good. It feels really good. Coming in every day and trying to remain positive and stay fresh and stay focused isn’t always easy, but to know that I’m making a difference just feels amazing,” said Wash.
“Just a little thank you here and there, it really goes a long ways,” said Bogue as he expressed his gratitude for the Teacher of the Week segment. He said, “I couldn’t be more thankful for WZZM and 13 ON YOUR SIDE for doing this for our school and giving us a chance to celebrate a great teacher.”
If you have someone you’d like to nominate as our next Teacher of the Week, just text the word “teacher” to 616-559-1310.
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