DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – A group of third-graders from Westside Elementary School believed they were gathering outside for a multiplication contest to win a limo ride, but their assumption was incorrect.
On Friday, their teacher, Tasney Thomas, gave each of them an envelope with a much bigger surprise: tickets to Disney World!
“It’s my first time going and I’m really excited,” said Penelope, a third grader.
Nevaeh, also a third-grader, exclaimed, “I’m gonna ride the fastest and most dangerous ride because I’m gonna have the time of my life.”
All year, Thomas collaborated with parents and others to collect over $7,000, which would cover the costs of tickets, meals, transportation, and provide a $25 gift card for each of her 24 students.
“We’re rewarding my students. They read over 641 books and more than 3 million words. Their scores have consistently surpassed the school and district averages,” Thomas said.
This moment is even more special for Marcos and Mikhael, who are exchange students in their first year studying in America.
Maica Manabat, Mikhael’s mom, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Disney World is very expensive, and we really need to save a lot in order for us to visit that place, and now our children will be able to go there for free—that is so amazing.”
It also happened to be Thomas’s 10th year of teaching, which is why she worked with sponsors, local organizations, and parents to make this happen.
Students were also given custom-made Disney ears, hats, and bags to prepare for their trip on Saturday.
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