Wichita Falls I.S.D. sixth grade teacher Donna Patrick recently received one of the highest awards in education.

KAUZ-TV first introduced you to her a couple months ago. Texoma's news station shares her reaction to the big news in this week's Texoma's Treasure.

Donna Patrick is the 2010 Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year. While her colleagues and students say it's no surprise she won, Mrs. Patrick still seems in awe about the big news.

Triston Nunn, Southern Hills sixth grader, said, "We started jumping up and down and screaming."

Donna Patrick, Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year, said, "Shocked, I remember walking off thinking, oh I am so glad I didn't faint."

Mrs. Patrick beat out two other finalists for the top honor. Twenty-four of her 30 years teaching have been spent in Wichita Falls. Over the years, she's touched the lives of more than a thousand students, like sixth grader Jordan Thomas. Jordan Thomas, Southern Hills 6th Grader, said, "She tells everybody to do your best and if you need help go to her.  I haven't had a lot of teachers like that so I'm glad I have one who believes in me."

Jordan says she struggles in math, but thanks to Mrs. Patrick's patience and compassion, she's steadily improving.

Patrick said, "I believe in laughter.  I try and tell funny stories and tie math in with it."

Like Jordan, school didn't come easy for Mrs. Patrick and looking back on her early years teaching, she says she never thought she'd be where she is today.

"I'm so grateful to represent Wichita Falls and so honored and I will do my very best when I do go out to speak to make this town proud and my district and my children and staff," Patrick said. 

Joyce Shepard, Southern Hills Principal, said, "That's what's so outstanding about Donna.  It's not about her, it's about her school, and the students she serves at this school."

Along with a five thousand dollar cash prize and a lap top.... Mrs. Patrick has opted to donate her more than 16 thousand dollar smart board technology package to her school.... Southern hills elementary. Lindsey rogers, k-a-u-z texoma's news station. Mrs. Patrick says along with her new duties this year.... She plans to continue teaching for years to come. Yushica walker, a teacher from el paso independent school district, was named the texas secondary teacher of the year and will also be representing the state in the national teacher of the year competition.