It was an exciting way to start the day at Arlene Meraux Elementary School when “Part-Time Justin” and “Jammer” of the Kidd Kraddick Morning Show paid a visit to the home of the Honeybees.
The popular morning show’s team was there to surprise Paige Tortorich, a 2nd-grade teacher who had entered the Kidd Kraddick Classroom Giveback- a program that selects deserving teachers to receive funding to enhance their classrooms with necessary supplies or materials. Instead of asking for her class, Tortorich wrote to the show hoping to use the Giveback funds to buy new life jackets for the school system’s 2nd Grade Swim Program. “I explained if I won, I would put the money toward buying new life jackets for our second graders to learn about life jackets and water safety,” Tortorich said. “Surprisingly, the Kidd Kraddick Morning Show called me and said I won!”
With the $500 prize, Tortorich purchased 35 new life jackets and delivered them to Coach Millie Soroe, the coordinator and instructor for the St. Bernard Parish Swim Program.
Ms. Tortorich’s good deed was rewarded with another surprise – the Kraddick Team selected her as a recipient for its Classroom Giveback Getaway, an all-expenses paid vacation to The Diplomat Beach Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton in Florida. Principal Natalie Alber arranged for the Morning Show to surprise Tortorich with the big news during a school-wide pep rally in the gym. Tortorich’s husband, mom, and son were also on hand for the announcement. Coach Soroe was also in attendance and expressed her appreciation for Tortorich’s kind gesture. “This is such a thoughtful donation she has made toward our 2nd Grade Swim Program,” Soroe said. “Our students all over the district will benefit from her kindness.”
