Janna Hamrick, a fifth grade teacher at Rock Branch Elementary School in Nitro was surprised on Wednesday, November 1st, when she was presented with a Milken Educator Award at a seemingly routine all-school assembly. Cheers erupted from students, colleagues, dignitaries and media when Hamrick laid eyes on her oversized check, realizing she would be taking home a $25,000 cash prize to be used however she chooses.

Milken Educator Awards Vice President Stephanie Bishop was joined…