A New Orleans second-grade teacher was honored with a free cruise trip for her commitment to her students at Laurel Elementary.
Sydney Banks, a second-grade math teacher at Laurel Elementary, was surprised with a free cruise trip in recognition of her dedication to her students over the past five years.
“Every time when I was struggling, she always helps me with all the answers,” one student said.
The trip was made possible by local attorney Scott Vicknair, whose firm supports educators after witnessing his mother teach for decades.
“She was nominated by a mom of one of the students here at Laurel, who was not locally from New Orleans or the South. I think that says a lot to what type of educator she is,” Vicknair said.
Banks shared her emotional reaction to the recognition.
“I show up for my students no matter where they are, what they are doing. That brought tears to my eyes, and to be noticed for that,” Banks said.
While Banks is thrilled about the trip, she said she will still be thinking about her students while on vacation.
READ MORE:Watch this New Orleans teacher’s emotional reaction to a surprise cruise vacation
