NEENAH (NBC 26) — Two outstanding educators got a big surprise Monday. Leaders with the Fox Cities Chamber stopped by Horace Mann Middle School in Neenah to let 6th grade teacher Jason Fridley know he's one of the winners of the Chamber's first-ever Excellence in Education Shining Star Awards.
A panel of six judges reviewed all the nominations and chose winners in eight categories covering kindergarten through college.
Fridley, who works with children with emotional and behavioral needs, said he feels honored to receive this special recognition.
"Things around here are always pretty exciting, but this takes it to a new level. I'm looking forward to sharing this with my family. Everyday we try to come here and work hard and do best by kids, and that's what we're going to keep doing," he said.
The Chamber also surprised Menasha High School Principal Mike Slowinski who learned that he won an award Monday as well.
The surprise visits will continue all week. Then, the formal awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, March 5th from 5:00pm to 8:30pm at the Red Lion Hotel Paper Valley in Appleton.
NBC26 is proud to be the media partner for the event. Our own Stacy Engebretson will serve as the emcee for the awards ceremony.
