Kempsville Middle School’s Laura Willey has been named the local winner of the Barnes & Noble My Favorite Teacher Contest. Wiley was chosen based on an essay sent from her student, Victoria Neels.

According to Barnes and Noble, students could nominate a teacher for this honor by writing essays, poems or thank-you letters that explain how their teacher has influenced their life and reveal why they appreciate and admire him or her. These entries then were judged based on the teacher’s qualities as well as the sincerity of the student’s appreciation and quality of writing.

From here, Willey will be entered into the regional competition where five winners will be selected. Those winners will go on to compete for the Barnes & Noble National Teacher of the Year title, which will earn the teacher $5,000 and another $5,000 donation to his/her school.

Best of luck!