Spilker receives 'My Teacher Rocks' award, class gets pizza party

Hallett Elementary School students in Cheryl Spilker's fifth-grade class got a surprise last Thursday - a pizza party.

The class was awarded a party after the efforts of their classmate, Skylar DeVore who recently submitted a letter about Spilker for the "My Teacher Rocks" contest to her orthodontist, Dr. Jacob DaBell. According to its website, the office holds the contest for students who think "their teacher deserves a special shout out."

"From reading the letter, she (Spilker) really cares about her students and wants to bring out the best in them," DaBell said. "In her letter, Skylar wrote 'she makes me feel loved and welcome every day.' For a teacher to do that is impressive."

DeVore said she wrote the letter about Spilker because she has appreciated the help she has given her.

"She's always been there for me and she's let me come in early when I needed help," DeVore said.

Skylar's father, David DeVore, added that Spilker has gone beyond the classroom to help his daughter and her other students.

"She's texted my wife (Brenda DeVore) and has asked if Skylar needs anything else," David said. "Skylar once told us that she going to succeed because of her teacher. That's why we wrote the letter."

Spilker said she is "appreciative of the honor" to receive the award.

"She's had a lot of great teachers, so I feel honored," Spilker said. "Skylar is a very hard worker and I feel fortunate to have her in my room."

Spilker will receive a personalized gift basket from DaBell's office during an Oct. 12 assembly.

Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.