Warren Kindergarten Teacher Mary Trimble is a ‘Class Act’

Warren Community School Kindergarten teacher Mary Trimble was right in the middle of reading group when a local TV meteorologist walked into her room and presented her with a large bunch of balloons. “I had no idea whatsoever, not at all!” Mrs. Trimble said, laughing. “It was definitely a surprise, a big surprise.”

Mark Monstrola of Youngstown TV station WFMJ was there to announce that Mrs. Trimble had won the Giant Eagle Class Act Award. The station honors teachers who have been nominated by their peers for exemplary teaching. In addition to the balloons, Mrs. Trimble was given an orange bag with the nomination letter and a certificate in a gold frame adorned with stars. “When one of my students saw the balloons, she said, ‘Happy Birthday Mrs. Trimble!’” she said with a smile. Monstrola’s crew shot videotape of the presentation and it ran on the WFMJ Today program. Mrs. Trimble’s students were included in a commercial promoting the program.

The honors were made possible by Summit Academy Instructional Coach Aadrian Thomas, who wrote the nomination letter. Instructional coaches help teachers by reviewing lesson plans and observing classrooms. “I am inspired by her dedication and commitment to her students,” Mrs. Thomas wrote. “Mrs. Trimble always has a smile on her face and kind words to share. Our student population is challenging, but that never deters Mrs. Trimble from completing her goals.” Mrs. Thomas ended the letter, expressing her hope that the station would “visit our school soon and experience the kind, loving spirit that dwells inside our Kindergarten teacher.”

Mrs. Trimble said she was grateful to have been singled out for the honor. “It was a very nice gesture, very sweet and it’s nothing I ever thought I would get, or deserve,” Mrs. Trimble said. “I just come every day and do my job and enjoy every minute. But it was very sweet to be acknowledged that way.”