Meriwether Lewis Elementary kicked off this morning with a school-wide assembly to celebrate 3rd grade teacher, Anne Straume. Lottery officials were in attendance to surprise Anne with a 2015 Virginia Lottery Super Teacher award, including a cash prize from the Virginia Lottery and a $2,000 classroom supply credit from The Supply Room Companies. One of eight teachers selected across the state, Anne was honored for her passion, innovation and creativity as an educator, as well as her commitment to parental and family involvement in the classroom.

What did Anne have to say? “I want kids to get up in the morning and want to run to school. I want them to love learning and for this to be great memories. The principal always works to say ‘Yes’ to my ideas, as crazy as they may be.”

Well done, Anne!

Read more about Anne in Charlottesville Tomorrow’s “Meet Your Educator” spotlight »

Pictured (left to right): Dutch Jones, Business Development Manager, The Supply Room Companies; Michael Irani, Principal, Meriwether Lewis Elementary; Anne Straume; Paula Otto, Executive Director, Virginia Lottery