Miss-Delectable
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Jackson Elementary teacher Sissy Zelenka wins a big check for her school
Sissy Zelenka began signing to her students, telling them what speakers were saying at a special assembly called at Jackson Elementary School in Pascagoula Friday.
When principal Pam Rone announced they were gathered to recognize Zelenka as Wal-Mart's Mississippi Teacher of the Year, Zelenka continued signing, but the tears would soon follow.
Zelenka, who has taught deaf students in the Pascagoula School District for 27 years, said she was more honored that the deaf community can be recognized in the public school systems.
In addition to an array of gifts, awards and even Teacher of the Year business cards from Wal-Mart, Zelenka's award included $10,000 for Jackson Elementary School.
She also received a one-year membership to Phi Delta Kappa, which partners with Wal-Mart.
Zelenka knew she wanted to teach the deaf after participating on her high school track team and watching Mississippi School for the Blind and Deaf students communicate during meets.
"As a teacher, it's been a wonderful experience for me," Zelenka, of Pascagoula, said. "These are my children, and I love them very much."
Zelenka was first selected as the local Teacher of the Year winner announced last May by the store.
For the state award, Zelenka answered four questions submitted by judges, who also reviewed the letters of recommendation sent by her peers.
"This award recognizes teachers who move beyond books and basic curriculum to instill a passion for learning in all of their students," said Ken Foreman, Wal-Mart Supercenter store manager in Pascagoula. "We are extremely proud that this great honor has been awarded to one of our own teachers."
Former JES principal Cindy Jackson, who is now principal at Pascagoula High, nominated Zelenka, who was one of the first people she met at JES.
"She (Zelenka) told me, Mrs. Jackson, I want my children to be children and I want them to be part of this family," Jackson said. "Jackson Elementary is a family and Miss Zelenka's call taught me so many things."
Despite losing her home in Hurricane Katrina, Jackson said Zelenka is the "most unselfish and giving person I know," opening her doors to her students on a regular basis and holding events much like families do.
One of Zelenka's favorite stories is the one about her assistant, Constance Fairley, who was her first student 27 years ago and became her assistant five years ago.
Those students, Zelenka said, "are the reason I'm here today."
Zelenka's husband, Randy, said he learned about the award Thursday. His wife was a little suspicious because everyone was told to dress up.
He was also proud of her.
"She's just such a good person," Randy Zelenka said. "Her work, that's her life, teaching her kids. She loves every minute of it."
Agreeing with Jackson that Zelenka is a positive role model for kids and adults alike, Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich said Zelenka "truly inspires other adults on a daily basis ... to find ways for children to win every day."
Sissy Zelenka began signing to her students, telling them what speakers were saying at a special assembly called at Jackson Elementary School in Pascagoula Friday.
When principal Pam Rone announced they were gathered to recognize Zelenka as Wal-Mart's Mississippi Teacher of the Year, Zelenka continued signing, but the tears would soon follow.
Zelenka, who has taught deaf students in the Pascagoula School District for 27 years, said she was more honored that the deaf community can be recognized in the public school systems.
In addition to an array of gifts, awards and even Teacher of the Year business cards from Wal-Mart, Zelenka's award included $10,000 for Jackson Elementary School.
She also received a one-year membership to Phi Delta Kappa, which partners with Wal-Mart.
Zelenka knew she wanted to teach the deaf after participating on her high school track team and watching Mississippi School for the Blind and Deaf students communicate during meets.
"As a teacher, it's been a wonderful experience for me," Zelenka, of Pascagoula, said. "These are my children, and I love them very much."
Zelenka was first selected as the local Teacher of the Year winner announced last May by the store.
For the state award, Zelenka answered four questions submitted by judges, who also reviewed the letters of recommendation sent by her peers.
"This award recognizes teachers who move beyond books and basic curriculum to instill a passion for learning in all of their students," said Ken Foreman, Wal-Mart Supercenter store manager in Pascagoula. "We are extremely proud that this great honor has been awarded to one of our own teachers."
Former JES principal Cindy Jackson, who is now principal at Pascagoula High, nominated Zelenka, who was one of the first people she met at JES.
"She (Zelenka) told me, Mrs. Jackson, I want my children to be children and I want them to be part of this family," Jackson said. "Jackson Elementary is a family and Miss Zelenka's call taught me so many things."
Despite losing her home in Hurricane Katrina, Jackson said Zelenka is the "most unselfish and giving person I know," opening her doors to her students on a regular basis and holding events much like families do.
One of Zelenka's favorite stories is the one about her assistant, Constance Fairley, who was her first student 27 years ago and became her assistant five years ago.
Those students, Zelenka said, "are the reason I'm here today."
Zelenka's husband, Randy, said he learned about the award Thursday. His wife was a little suspicious because everyone was told to dress up.
He was also proud of her.
"She's just such a good person," Randy Zelenka said. "Her work, that's her life, teaching her kids. She loves every minute of it."
Agreeing with Jackson that Zelenka is a positive role model for kids and adults alike, Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich said Zelenka "truly inspires other adults on a daily basis ... to find ways for children to win every day."