In Kara Krajnak’s first-grade class at Panther Valley Elementary, students look forward to surprise ice cream, or weekly games of “the floor is lava.”

What they may not realize is they are learning at the same time.

Krajnak’s students enjoy her lessons so much that one of them nominated her for the Times News’ “Tell us why your teacher is awesome” sweepstakes, sponsored by Spotts-Sverchek Insurance Agency.

Thanks to the words of Violet Uher, Krajnak received a surprise delivery of flowers during the school day on Monday.

“Miss Krajnak teaches my whole class to be kind. She always gives our class little things to help us learn,” Uher wrote.

Krajnak is in her 14th year as a teacher at Panther Valley Elementary.

She knew early on that she wanted to be a teacher. And as a Panther Valley High School graduate, it has always been her goal to give back to the community where she was raised.

“This community did a lot for me as a kid and an adult,” she said.

Panther Valley Elementary School Principal Robert Palazzo said that Krajnak’s fun activities are also effective at teaching students the skills they need.

“She puts a lot of heart and energy into teaching,” he said. “She has a wonderful personality, and excellent communication with her families.”

One of Violet Uher’s favorite memories from Krajnak’s class was a math lesson with a grocery store theme. Part of the lesson used an example involving ice cream, so Krajnak brought some in for the class.

Uher also mentioned the books that her Krajnak buys for them to keep, and games of “the floor is lava.” During the game the students stand on their chairs and can’t sit down until they answer a question or say something nice about a classmate.

“It makes me feel good to say nice and hear nice things about my classmates and she teaches us that to all of us. Her smile is beautiful and shows how kind and friendly she is to everyone. I love her,” Uher wrote.

Uher’s nomination was randomly chosen from the entries into the contest. And on Monday, Krajnak was surprised with her award.

Mark Sverchek, Scott Murph and Jeff Spotts of Spotts-Sverchek Insurance Agency presented her with the flowers. Krajnak said she was caught off guard.

Jeff Spotts, president of Spotts Insurance Group, said he was honored to do something for teachers in a year when schools are anything but normal. And the reaction from Krajnak and her proud students made it even more special.

“It made my day to see how happy the kids were, and that she was surprised and happy about it. You can tell the devotion she has to her kids,” Spotts said.

Krajnak said she had no idea before the surprise was revealed. After she received the flowers, she had a chance to read Violet’s words.

They made her emotional.

The pandemic has changed so much about the educational experience. Krajnak said the teachers at Panther Valley Elementary work together and support each other. And she stays focused on giving her students the best educational experience they can have.

“It’s so hard now, with the atmosphere we have in school. I just try to make it as fun as possible with them for the short amount of time that we have them during the day,” she said.