By Roger McKinney

rmckinney@joplinglobe.com

GALENA, Kan. — Kindergarten teacher Debbie Hart received hugs galore Wednesday from her current and former pupils.

“I’m very blessed, is what I am,” Hart said.

Hart, during a school assembly, received the Teacher of the Year Award from the Joplin, Mo., Seventh Street Wal-Mart and the Wal-Mart Foundation. Hart also received a plaque, $100 to decorate her classroom and $1,000 for Spring Grove Elementary School.

“Mrs. Hart has touched so many lives over the years,” said Spring Grove Principal Toby Van Cleave.

One pupil each in kindergarten through 12th grade who Hart has had in her classroom walked across the stage to present her with gifts and flowers, each receiving a hug from Hart.

High-school students each made remarks about the impact Hart has made on them.

“She brings joy to the classroom,” said ninth-grader Rachel Harding.

“I knew you were an award-winner from the moment I walked into your classroom,” said 12th-grader Chase Keyser. He said many years after kindergarten, he invited Hart to his birthday party, delivering the invitation to her personally. He said he was confident that she would come to his party, and she did. Keyser said Hart provided him with unconditional love as a family member would.

Hart said this is her 35th year as a kindergarten teacher, 34 of them spent in Galena.

“It truly is a great honor,” Hart said. “I wasn’t prepared for this. I don’t feel I deserve it. I give God all the credit.”

She said she is the product of good teachers and she works with good teachers every day.

“I’ve got to share this with them,” she said.

She also said her family has been supportive over the years.