The parent of a former student has described her as an extraordinary teacher.

Ms. Rebecca Thorpe is our first Jan Dils Golden Apple award winner for this school year!

WTAP's Kim Lucey surprised the fifth grade teacher in front of students, faculty, and staff at Greenmont Elementary School in Vienna Tuesday.

Ms. Thorpe says during her thirty years of teaching she's learned to roll with the punches and adapt to change.

Ms. Rebecca Thorpe, Jan Dils Golden Apple Award Winner says: "I learn as much from the children as they do from me. I have always told them that I want them to be lifelong learners and that's why I teach, I want to be a lifelong learner and I want them to be as well."

If you know of a teacher you would like to nominate for this award you can do so right here on WTAP.com by clicking on the Golden Apple tab.