CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — The 2023 “Teachers of the Year” were honored on Monday at the White House and Clay County was well represented.
Melissa Anne Matz, a seventh-grade math teacher at Lakeside Junior High School, was among the dozens of teachers who were honored by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, who is also an educator.
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Action News Jax covered Ms. Matz back in July 2022 when she was chosen as 2023 Florida Teacher of the Year. She was selected from nearly 185,000 public school teachers.
Related Story: Local educator named 2023 Florida Teacher of the Year
The “Teachers of the Year” were honored for their work in a difficult profession and for helping children overcome challenges.
In his speech given at the ceremony, President Biden said:
“We see you educating our students, your students. We also see you confronting them and comforting them when they’re in trouble, caring for them and inspiring them. Our children are our nation’s future; they are in your hands. And that’s not hyperbole. And looking out at all of you, that’s the one reason I can honestly say I’ve never been more optimistic about America’s future than I am today.”
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The community congratulates Ms. Matz for representing Florida, Clay County, Lakeside Junior High School and the children that she teaches and has taught.