A rehearsal for the Tamaqua Elementary School Veterans Day program included a huge surprise for third grade teacher Zachery Evans. Students and staff cheered loudly when Mr. Evans was presented the first Hilda M. Sundermann Award by the Pennsylvania chapter of the National State Teachers of the Year.

Evans was nominated for a NSTOY-PA Apple award by fellow teacher Mrs. Jolene Barron, a NSTOY-PA member, in the Spring. A committee considered all Apple Award Elementary Certified teachers and determined that Evans was the perfect teacher to receive this newly established recognition.The Hilda M. Sundermann award honors the spirit and love of teaching elementary students that characterized her remarkable career.In recommending her co-worker, Mrs. Barron wrote, “Mr. Evans is a strong, passionate educator who works hard to advocate for all students. He voluntarily chooses to work with students who struggle due to learning disabilities or behavior problems. He goes out of his way to make sure that all students are actively engaged in his classroom. His high expectations for academics, student behavior and his ever present encouragement prompt students to do their best at all times. These efforts highlight his willingness to do all that he can to reach every student.”Evans received a framed certificate and a check for $250 to use for his classroom or as start up money for an educational project. NSTOY-PA has extended an invitation to him and his wife to be introduced to the National State Teachers of the Year during a membership meeting and dinner on Sunday Dec. 4. The events are part of the SAS Institute/Keystone Awards, which will be held at the Hershey Lodge.