Surprising April HCSD Teacher of the Month Drawing Winner

 
(May 9, 2025) – Another wonderful teacher surprise—this time, at Three Rivers Elementary! 

Last Friday, we dropped by the school to celebrate Ms. Dawn Ladner as our HCSD April Teacher of the Month drawing winner! Ms. Ladner has been an educator for 26 years, teaching students with a significant cognitive disability. 

“What makes Ms. Ladner so special is the way she truly sees her students—not just for where they are, but for everything they’re capable of becoming. She brings so much patience, heart, and creativity into her classroom every day. You can tell she genuinely cares about each of her kids, and she goes out of her way to make sure they feel safe, supported, and capable. She doesn’t just teach—she builds confidence, encourages growth, and celebrates every win, big or small. There’s something really special about the way she connects with her students, and it makes all the difference,” said TRE Principal Dr. James Stephens. 

Many thanks to our community partners, Huntington Learning Center and Educate & Celebrate of Gulfport, for joining us to surprise Ms. Ladner. Mrs. Pam Pennell and Mrs. Macey Young presented her with balloons, gift cards, a certificate, and lunch from Chicken Salad Chick. The students were thrilled to see their teacher being recognized! 

Congratulations, Ms. Ladner!
 
Watch the video of the surprise here: https://youtu.be/EYfY2Xut4Go.