DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – A group of Westside Elementary School third-graders thought they were only standing outside for a multiplication competition to win a limo ride, but that was not the case.
On Friday, their teacher, Tasney Thomas, gave each of them an envelope with a much bigger surprise: tickets to Disney World!
“It’s my first time going and I’m really excited,” said Penelope, a third grader.
Nevaeh, also a third-grader, exclaimed, “I’m gonna ride the fastest and most dangerous ride because I’m gonna have the time of my life.”
Thomas worked with parents and others all year to raise more than $7,000 to pay for the tickets, food, transportation, and a $25 gift card for her 24 students.
“We’re rewarding my students. They read over 641 books and over 3 million words. They’ve constantly scored above the average of school and district requirements,” Thomas said.
This moment is even more special for Marcos and Mikhael, who are exchange students in their first year studying in America.
Maica Manabat, Mikhael’s mom, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Disney World is very expensive, and we really need to save a lot in order for us to visit that place, and now our children will be able to go there for free—that is so amazing.”
It also happened to be Thomas’s 10th year of teaching, which is why she worked with sponsors, local organizations, and parents to make this happen.
Students were also given custom-made Disney ears, hats, and bags to prepare for their trip on Saturday.