English Teacher is Queen ‘Chick’

Photo: Laura Beachy, IB and freshman English teacher, reacts to being awarded East’s Chick-Fil-A Teacher of the Year.

English teacher Laura Beachy has been chosen as this year’s SM East Chick-Fil-A Teacher of the Year. Assistant Principal Heather Royce entered Beachy’s room soon after the 7:40 a.m. bell rang Friday to inform her of the nomination for the district-wide honor. Beachy will represent East against teachers from other SMSD schools.

“Shocked,” Beachy said about her reaction. “Totally stunned. I feel like there are a lot of other teachers that really deserve it, so the fact that I was picked is really strange to me.”

Royce caught Beachy in the middle of celebrating “March Fourth Day” with her students. Students in Beachy’s first hour IB English 12 class were ecstatic after Royce told Beachy she would receive one free Chick-Fil-A sandwich every week for a year.

“I was jumping up and down in excitement,” senior Patrick McGannon said. “Mrs. Royce said our class of four needed to cheer for a normal class of 20.”

Beachy’s students agree with the administration’s decision to give their teacher the award.

“Ms. Beachy is such a wonderful teacher and person,” senior Lauren Stanley said. “She cares so much about her students and their success. She truly deserves this award.”