McDonald's restaurants honored two Jefferson City educators this week in the third annual Local McDonald's Outstanding Educator Awards.
The awards are for teachers who "exhibit the ultimate dedication to their students and go the extra mile" for education.
Emma Smith, special education teacher at Jefferson City High School, was awarded a grand prize, receiving a check for $1,000. She also got a bag with other goodies, including a "Best Teacher Ever" McDonald's coffee travel mug, and McDonald's vouchers to give to outstanding students.
Smith received the award in front of her students, who erupted into applause.
She had a special plan for the $1,000.
Smith takes students on community experience trips on Fridays, where students learn life skills. Smith told the students that she had planned a surprise trip for them.
"A week before Christmas break, we rented out the Capital City Cinema by Cork and Board, we're going to take the city bus there, and we're going to watch a Christmas movie," she said to gasps of excitement from the students.
Sue Bruemmer, a math teacher at Helias Catholic High School, was also named a McDonald's Outstanding Educator. Bruemmer has been at Helias Catholic since 2016 and has also served as the faculty adviser for the Founders Club, which focuses on community service.
Kristi Ruprecht, Jefferson City McDonald's owner and operator, presented Bruemmer with a certificate and gift bag containing a mug, McDonald's vouchers and $100 for her classroom Thursday. Bruemmer was most excited about the McDonald's vouchers to give to students.
"This is my favorite piece, because I have kids ... every single day who stay after school and work really hard," Bruemmer said.
Bruemmer wasn't certain yet how she would spend the $100 for her classroom.
"I would like to meet with the math department and see what we could do that wouldn't just help my room but would help all of them," Bruemmer said. She said she collaborates a lot with the other teachers, and they teach the same classes.
Anna Campbell/News Tribune
McDonald's Outstanding Educator Sue Bruemmer unpacks the contents of her award gift bag, including a McDonald's "Best Teacher Ever" travel mug. "Is that not the cutest?" Bruemmer exclaimed as she pulled it from the bag.
Eileen Wisniowicz/News Tribune
Jefferson City High School's special education teacher Emma Smith poses with her class after receiving the McDonald's Outstanding Educator award on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022.
Eileen Wisniowicz/News Tribune
McDonald's franchise owner Kristi Ruprecht presents Emma Smith with the McDonald's Outstanding Educator Award on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022 at Jefferson City High School. The program awards teachers throughout Mid-Missouri and is funded by local McDonald's owners.
Eileen Wisniowicz/News Tribune
Emma Smith, left, and Kristi Ruprecht pose for a photo on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022 at Jefferson City High School. Ruprecht, a local McDonald's franchise owner, presented Smith with the McDonald's Outstanding Educator award.