A Joplin teacher is nominated for a chance to win $10,000 for her classroom and school.
The Great American Financial Resources "Class Room Makeover" contest has named 10 teachers from across the United States as finalists.
One of those finalists is Margie Black.
Black teaches at Saint Mary's Catholic School in Joplin and wants to get the word out on how residents can show their support.
Black has taught Spanish and Physical Education for the past 23 years.
When the tornado hit on May 22nd the classroom she knew was no longer in tact.
"When I walked up closer to the building and saw that the fifth grade wall was on top of my materials at my school, my stuff, my desk, and all I could think of is 'wow, what if our kids had been at school' and right away you go to that place, thinking about the potential loss of life, that could've been greater than it was and all the children, it was hard to look at."
Now, Black teaches at a new location, in the old Catholic Charities warehouse, which is a different experience for the kids.
If Black wins the contest $5,000 will go to makeover her classroom and another $5,000 will go to her school.
She says if she wins she hopes to upgrade her classroom with new books, better technology and even laptops.
"This is something that doesn't just benefit me. In fact, the kids are the real winner of this, not me, and so it's a great thing for our school for the other teachers whom which I share the room. I think it's going to be something beneficial to all of us but especially our children and our students."
Again first place prize is $5,000 for the teacher and their classroom plus another $5,000 for the school.
Second place is $3,000 for the teacher's classroom and another $3,000 for the school.
And third place is $1,500 for the teacher's classroom and $1,500 for the school.
You can vote once a day for the rest of the month by visiting http://www.gaclassroommakeover.com/.
