Philip Shore Elementary took time this morning to honor one of its own.
Emily Marrero was named teacher of the year last month by the Hillsborough Education Foundation.
She arrived at the school today in a limousine and was crowned by members of the school's administration.
Students held signs praising the all-girls class teacher and her students hugged her.
Marrero, who has been teaching for eight years, said the royal treatment this morning was a bit overwhelming.
"I have never been so excited in all my life," she said. "To see all those kids' faces and cheering, I could hear it with the windows up and the radio on. They were just so excited. It was a really awesome moment."
School board chairwoman Susan Valdes spoke at an assembly in Marrero's honor. She told the students being the top teacher among 14,500 candidates was quite an accomplishment.
Principal Barbara Mercer also chimed in. She said she routinely visits classrooms at the school, and while she has many talented teachers, there is something special about Marrero.
"The kids are excited about learning," Mercer said. "They're up and working. They are so engaged. She challenges them every single day. And that's what makes her such a special teacher."
In addition to the accolades and gifts, Marrero received a $4,500 scholarship from the University of South Florida and Nova University as well as $1,000 in cash.
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