WINnie: The Kids “FURst” Mascot

I was so taken aback when I realized I was receiving a Winnie! I was honestly surprised and wasn’t expecting it at all. Carol taking the time to come and present me with the Winnie personally was extremely humbling. My supervising principal at the time joined in on the fun and was just as excited for me as I was for myself. It’s a testament to the outstanding educators I get to meet and work with along the way with this amazing company. What an honor to be recognized for the love we pour into our profession – and the sweet nomination card was just icing on the cake. Thank you to those involved in this process, and what a wonderful way to show support and appreciation, and that our efforts don’t go unnoticed. I keep my Winnie and nomination card right next to my desk at home to serve as a constant reminder that what we do matters.

“Passion fuels the journey, purpose lights the way, and every step forward shapes the legacy we leave behind.”

Receiving the K1 WINnie mascot is a testament to the positive impact I am making in my schools while upholding the core values of Kids First. It symbolizes my commitment to supporting teachers and scholars, reminding me that the work we do is meaningful and appreciated. When approached with love and kindness, our efforts create lasting change and inspire those around us. WINnie reminds me I’m right where I belong!

The moment I was presented with WINnie, I was completely overwhelmed by a whirlwind of joy, excitement, and gratitude! The joy bubbled up inside me because receiving WINnie signifies that my work aligns with the core values of Kids First and my true purpose in this incredible journey. I was beyond excited and genuinely surprised to be honored with WINnie! My heart overflowed with gratitude, as I celebrated this amazing acknowledgment!

To have received this recognition is a great honor and serves as added motivation to continue providing a reputable service that highlights what this wonderful company is all about: Collaborating, Creating, and Committing to providing a service that truly nurtures teachers and students.

I felt an array of emotions; however, my top three were: surprise, honor, and joy. I couldn’t help but feel immense pride as the reality of the moment set in. It will be a moment I cherish forever.

I am so grateful to be recognized by my co-workers for the hard work and passion I invest in my teachers and students. Our children succeed when we collaborate and encourage each other along the way to support this mission.

I felt a strong sense of confirmation that I am fulfilling my purpose and working in the right place. Collaborating with teachers and students throughout the state to enhance learning for our children is truly the highlight of my career

It was such an honor to be recognized by Kids First Education for the work I have been doing at Westlawn Middle School. I was elated and overjoyed that my work had not gone unnoticed.

Being successful and making a difference in all things I do really is and has been a priority in my life, whether generally or professionally speaking. In the regular classroom setting, I never received Teacher of the Year, and when you work hard year after year, you can feel like you get overlooked. Receiving my Kids First WINnie Mascot may have exceeded any recognition Teacher of the Year could have ever given me. I felt for the first time my hard work was appreciated and honored. The project was my first solo, major project. WINnie came at a time when I did not know if I was doing what I needed to do, and I was most definitely feeling the stress. WINnie and my head coaches helped me to see that I am a winner and gave me the confidence to continue working to give my best every day.

I am truly honored to have received the Winnie and be able to share it with my students at Boyd that day. I truly enjoy the relationships built with administrators, teachers, students, and coaches. The Winnie is symbol of the the teamwork that goes in to providing the very best for our schools and communities.

I was utterly shocked when I was presented with WINnie. I felt noticed, valued, and appreciated when receiving WINnie, but also completely unworthy, knowing others were far more deserving than I.

It is truly an honor to have received WINnie. She rides along with me wherever I go, reminding me to be a blessing to everyone I meet. She reminds me that the work I do is important, and while growth in students and teachers may not be immediately evident, it is happening as long as I continue to show up for them.

When I was first presented with WINnie, I was shocked and excited. It is a rewarding experience to be recognized for the work you do in helping students and teachers become the best version of themselves.

I have been with Kids First since the company’s inception in 2020 and seeing the company increasing its influence across the country has been amazing. When I received a Kids First WINnie Mascot it meant the world to me that what I do matters. I love working with teachers and students and to be recognized for this work made me feel appreciated and valued.

Receiving the Kids First employee recognition WINnie Mascot is an incredible honor and a deeply meaningful acknowledgment of my contributions. This award represents more than just recognition. It embodies the values of teamwork, dedication, and the impact we have on the schools we serve. To be selected for this award affirms that my efforts are making a difference and that my commitment to our mission is seen and appreciated.

When I first realized what was being presented, I felt a mix of emotions, like gratitude, pride, and even a bit of surprise. It was a humbling moment to know that my peers and leadership recognized my hard work and the passion I bring to my role. It reinforced my belief in the importance of what we do and motivated me to continue striving for excellence. This recognition is not just a personal achievement but a reflection of the collaborative spirit that makes Kids First such a special place to work.

For me to receive a WINnie Mascot validated my role, and the instructional support I provided assured my sense of belonging to and being a member of the WINniest Team, KidsFirst. I felt emotionally overwhelmed and surprised when I was summoned to the school’s Office (Keith Middle School in Orrville, AL) and saw AL KidsFirst Executive Director Rita Betts and Head Coach Donna Harper, who shared a comment stated by the school’s Principal (Tommy Tisdale) as to why I was receiving the Winnie mascot. Upon hearing what Principal Tisdale stated, I became teary-eyed, feeling emotions of joy, and the hugs from Rita and Donna warmed my spirit while holding Winnie.

I am incredibly honored to have received a Kids First WINnie Mascot. It feels good to be recognized for my ‘commitment and collaboration.’ I am truly grateful.

I remember feeling appreciated and acknowledged for my work and dedication. It was such a fun moment!

I was deeply honored to receive a Winnie award, but I see it as a shared recognition of our collective efforts as a team. My colleagues’ support and collaboration inspire me every day, and I am grateful to work alongside such an amazing team of educators.

I was utterly taken aback when Cynthia Gabbert walked into my professional development session to present me with a Winnie award. I truly did not expect this recognition. It was a wonderful surprise, and I am blessed to be part of such an incredible team.

Receiving a WINnie means so much to me. I’m truly honored to receive this recognition. I work with so many great coaches, and I have been blessed to work with some of the best educators in our partnerships.

When I realized I was receiving the Winnie, I was surprised—but also so proud to know that the teachers and schools I’ve worked with have been positively impacted through our partnership.

I was so grateful to receive a Winnie! Kids First has some amazing coaches and to be recognized amongst this great group was an honor. Plus, Winnie had a lot of fun helping me out for the rest of the day in each of my classes!

I was shocked when I realized I was receiving a WINnie! It is truly an honor to be recognized for the hard work and dedication that I strive to always put into my work with students and teachers. More than anything, it has inspired me to continue to push forward! What a blessing it is to be acknowledged for doing something you love!

Winning the Winnie was an incredible honor, but the greatest reward has always been seeing the teachers and students I work with grow in confidence and understanding. This award recognition reaffirms my passion for teaching math and making a difference – one equation at a time!

When I realized I was winning this award, I felt a wave of gratitude and pride. This achievement is a reflection of the support, encouragement, and inspiration I have received along the way.