GAINESVILLE - Wal-mart Wednesday began handing out $8,000 checks to four Hall County schools which were among the 20 nationwide winners in the company's "Write to Change the Classroom" program.
First stop was North Hall Middle School.
Kathy Mellette is the teacher who wrote the winning essay for her school.
"It sounds kind of corny but teaching does shape the future," said Mellette, who teaches an eight grade gifted Directed Studies class. "When you work with young people like that, it's kind of a mission. It's very exciting and very rewarding. These are the best kids in Hall County. They're bright, very smart."
North Hall Middle School principal Dr. Brad Brown said he has plenty of respect for Mellette.
"Ms. Mellette is an exceptional teacher. She's a class act. She does a great job with the students and bringing class to life," said Brown.
Other Hall County schools that were chosen for the grants are Lula and Martin elementaries and Flowery Branch High.
Below are excerpts from the winning essays:
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