English teacher Monica Washington recently traveled to Austin to attend the revealing of the 2013 Texas State Teacher of the Year. Competing against six other primary and secondary school teachers, Washington anticipated the announcement.

While trying to prepare a proper composer for a loss, she couldn’t contain her excitement when hearing her name called aloud as the secondary education Teacher of the Year.

Upon hearing the announcement, Washington was greeted to an inbox full of emails from various students and faculty sending thanks. Faculty members decorated her classroom and hallway to show appreciation. The English department presented Washington with a cake to show their appreciation.