A nationally recognized educator award made its way to the Grand Valley on Monday. It’s one that District 51 hasn’t seen since 2002.
Felicia Casto, a math teacher from Rim Rock Elementary School in Fruita, received the Milken Educator award on Monday. The award recognizes a small amount of deserving teachers every year, and Casto is one of the 35 honorees to get the award this school year.
“When my name was announced I thought it was a joke,” said Casto.
Along with the national recognition, Casto also received a $25,000 dollar check. “I didn’t really have any idea that anything like this could happen to a teacher,” said Casto.
The ceremony was a surprise, which took place at the school’s gym. Only a small handful of people knew about the award beforehand as the staff tried to keep it a secret.
“Actually the day I got the phone call I was late to a meeting and I’m never late to a meeting so people knew something was up,” said Sharon Kallus, the Principal of Rim Rock.
So what’s next for Casto? She plans on continuing her teaching success. “I’ll still be a teacher tomorrow,” said Casto.
That dedication to her students is something you can’t put a price on.
