Newscenter 16 received over 20 letters in support of Lakeland High School teacher Stephanie Burdick.

Here's just a sample of the entries:

"Kind and knowledgeable. These are qualities this teacher has." - Koda Andrus

"With her witty jokes and sarcastic comments she tends to brighten my day when i may not feel like coming to school." - Michael Greene

"Mrs. Burdick is an inspiration in the lives of all of her students." - Amanda Leary

We surprised Mrs. Burdick with the award on the stage of Lakeland High School in LaGrange, Indiana.

"I knew they were nominating me, [but] I didn't expect it and I certainly didn't expect it today! We had a run-through scheduled!" exclaimed Burdick.

The theater students are busy getting ready for their children's play. The students wrote it themselves with inspiration from Mrs. Burdick. She wants kids to fall in love with the theater.

"If I can introduce them to it and just get that little spark," said Burdick.

Burdick also teaches English and is the adviser of the school yearbook.

She's a role model for future teachers.

"Her critiquing of my writing has made me a better writer. and now in like my AP classes, it's definitely helped me with my writing. and my critical reading ability. She's definitely one of the reasons I want to teach English, " said Leary.

Mrs. Burdick is ready to listen during tough times too.

"You always need somebody that you can depend on. Without that you bottle it up and eventually you're going to be somebody that just takes it in and doesn't release, " said Andrus.

The theater becomes a release for the students. Mrs. Burdick helps everyone find their voice.

"I have stage fright bad! I signed up for children's theater even though I know I have stage fright, even though I knew I would have to act, just 'cause I liked her so much," said Ort.

"She's a magnet and we're all metal," said Leary. "We're drawn to her. Her teaching style, her classes, her personality is fun to be around. She's just fun!"

Burdick won a $1,000 savings bond from Notre Dame Federal Credit Union. The school will receive a $250 check.