LITTLE ROCK, AR — You get a group of active fourth and fifth graders together and you quickly see it’s hard for them to contain themselves.
But what about Zsuzsanna Diamond, a fourth grade teacher at Otter Creek Elementary, who’s now the recipient of the Milken Educator Award. She also received a check for $25,000!
“I am shaken up. I don’t even know what to say,” Diamond said.
Governor Mike Beebe, along with members of the Milken Family Foundation, presented the Diamond with the honor. It recognizes teachers for their work in the classroom.
“Many students don’t believe in themselves, and they don’t believe they can. Yes, I’m a teacher, but at the same time I help them along the way,” Diamond said.
Diamond’s students say the organization chose the right person.
“She’s been a great teacher since the first day I met her. She was so fun and I thought that in her class I would have a great year,” Katelyn Branch said.
“She believes in everybody,” said Spencer Jones.
It’s not been an easy for Diamond. Born and raised in Hungary, many of her teachers told her she wouldn’t make it.
She chose to teach to push students to believe in themselves.
Diamond plans to use some of the money to go home and share her story.
I haven’t been back for seven years now, and it’s hard. Everybody is there. I wish my parents were here with me to join me in this honor,” Diamond said.
Her parents may not be here, but Diamond’s students are celebrating her impact.
The Milken Award has been offered in this state since 1991, and Diamond makes the 69th educator to receive this honor.
