Beech Hill Teacher Recognized by Patch

SUMMERVILLE — Excitement filled the halls Friday as the students of Beech Hill Elementary anticipated summer vacation. It's been a long year at the school, which has earned several accolades from the state, . 

But the school year wasn't over quite yet, and there was another surprise in store. 

During morning announcements, Allison Ransom's kindergarten class was gathered in the media center. There, Principal Rene Harris and Summerville Patch editor Lindsay Street informed the school that Ransom had won for the best teacher in the three school districts in Charleston area. 

Earlier this month, Patch asked readers across four sites (Goose Creek, Mount Pleasant, Summerville and West Ashley) to nominate teachers to win a $50 gift card. Of all the entries, Ransom won in a random drawing. 

In addition to the gift card, Patch wanted Ransom to have a refreshing start to her summer vacation, so the local news resource also provided a case of her favorite beverage: Diet Coke. 

She was nominated by Patch reader , who won a $25 gift card. But instead of keeping the money for herself, Gutierrez bestowed her card on the classroom's assistant teacher Catherine Sebestyen.

Guiterrez and her two favorite teachers were overcome by emotion.

"I am so happy Miss Ransom won. She is truly a beautiful person & teacher inside and out," Gutierrez said. "Thank you so much, Summerville Patch, for making this happen. It was an awesome way to end out the school year!"

Ransom was nominated by two readers in the contest, but in the drawing, the nomination by Gutierrez was selected. The other reader who nominated her was Amanda.