For the past five years, FOX 9 and M&I Bank have been recognizing teachers throughout Minnesota for their outstanding performance in the classroom, and this year one of BSM’s own, Mrs. Mary Andersen, has been honored with this prestigious award.
Andersen, senior high assistant principal, junior and senior dean of discipline, and science teacher, was one of the nine winners that will be featured in FOX 9 News. The modest winner was both surprised and honored when the news crew and anchor Alix Kendall appeared at Mass on Friday, April 24. “I knew I had been nominated for something back in the fall,” said Mrs. Andersen, “But I had completely forgotten about it and I assumed they were just at BSM to do a story on the Zeckser family, so I was very surprised.”
Nominated by both a co-worker and former student, Andersen’s hard work and dedication are evident. All of the nine recipients appear to be very diverse, but they are recognized for something specific that they do well. “From what I know there is no set criteria to choose someone for this award, but I feel I probably got nominated because of my good patience, sense of justice that I instill, and my consistency,” said Mrs. Andersen.
In addition to just being recognized, recipients also are presented with a check for $900 for their school to spend as they wish. Although she hasn’t officially decided, Andersen hopes to put the money to good use benefiting the students. “I either want it to go into the Random Acts of Kindness Fund, which serves to help students pay for little things like lunches, field trips, and events like Prom, and have the money be used as I specify. Or start my own similar fund so the money can go to the students who need it the most,” said Mrs. Andersen.
And if that wasn’t enough, to top it off winners are presented with coupons for four free six-foot long sandwiches from Subway. Many students were asking throughout the day where the Subway party was, but the announcement had been misleading because the subs didn’t come that same day, but can be used at the discretion of the teacher. “Teachers took turns explaining why they each deserve one of the subs, but I want to somehow let both students and teachers benefit from this,” said Mrs. Andersen.
