Sonya Romero is a beloved kindergarten teacher at Lew Wallace Elementary school in Albuquerque, NM. She begins each school day by asking her students the most important questions. Have they eaten? Do they need anything to wear? Do they need to brush their teeth or comb their hair? Sadly, the answers she gets are not what anyone wants to hear.
Sonya tries her best to make sure all of her students are taken care of. She keeps extra snacks and other supplies on hand to help students in need. Sometimes the only chance her students get to eat is during school, going hungry on the weekends. But her generosity doesn’t end there.
Sonya has a son of her own, but when she found out that two of her former students needed a home, she welcomed them with open arms. Ellen heard of the kindergarten teacher’s outstanding efforts, ultimately inviting her onto “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.”
Ellen put together a heartfelt video of the students and staff at Lew Wallace Elementary, showing the gratitude they all share for her. Afterwards, Ellen presented Sonya with two $10,000 checks. One was made out to the school while the other was for Sonya to do with as she pleased. Thanks to Ellen, this mother and teacher is getting the recognition she deserves.