THOMASVILLE — Sixth grade Thomas County Middle School teacher Betsy Garbett was filled with emotions on Monday morning as Envision Credit Union surprised her with a free cruise as part of Envision Credit Union’s 70th anniversary and Teacher Appreciation Week.
According to Kelli Walter, vice president of community development at Envision Credit Union, Envision was established in 1954 by a group of teachers. Since then, the business has remained steadfast in its mission to fostering financial stability, while continuing to pay homage to the teachers who played a pivotal role in the creation of Envision.
To celebrate their role, Envision launched a campaign to award 70 local teachers with free cruises.
The credit union received approximately 1,300 nominations for educators who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their students and communities. The selection process of the winning teachers was designed to reflect the credit union’s values and mission, incorporating the help of both community members and the expertise of an internal selection committee.
While 70 teachers will receive the cruise, five teachers were awarded in person. These five teachers received the most overwhelming nominations from the community. Garbett was one of those five teachers.
On Monday morning, Envision employees distracted Garbett, while sharing the special news with her students. They then gave each student a floral lei to wear, readying them to shout surprise when she re-entered the classroom.
As Garbett returned from her distraction, she was blown away with the cheers of congratulations and surprise, becoming emotional as Walter shared the news of her nomination and subsequent win.
Walter told Garbett she was nominated by several former students, but two letters stood out to both the community and selection committee.
“Mrs. Garbett deserves to win this cruise, because she is such an amazing teacher,” Walter read. “She makes learning fun and easy to learn. I never get sleepy or bored in her class. She does all of the hard work making her class fun, so she needs a break. A cruise would be perfect for her.”
Garbett was touched by the nomination, but nothing prepared her for Walter’s second reading.
“This teacher is my mama,” Walter read. I’ve had her twice in fourth grade and in sixth grade. My mama is one of the hardest workers you will ever see. She teaches at Thomas County Middle School in the MERIT program. My mama has always told me that nothing you do is ever perfect, but progress.”
“Mama has always been respectful, kind, and loving to her students, her husband, and her kids,” Walter continued to read. “I’m glad that my mama is a teacher because she is always there for her kids AKA her real kids and her students. Thank you so much for all that you do.”
Walter told Garbett is was clear how loved she was and Envision was proud to give back to teachers like her.
Garbett was elated, but still in shock, saying she saw the nominations months ago, but never thought much of it.
“I received an email that I was nominated and thought that it was sweet, but I just moved on and didn’t think twice about it,” she said. “It just means so much to hear those kind words and know that my class is making a difference. It means all the world to me; this is what I’m here for.”
Garbett is now excited to share the news with her family. The cruise allows Garbett to take one special guest with her to enjoy her vacation.