JAMIE OLIVER drove down to Rochford to surprise a secondary school teacher with a prestigious national award.
The celebrity chef surprised Michelle Woodward, from King Edmund School, and her year 10 class by presenting her with the Food Educator of the Year award as part of the Jamie Oliver Good School Food Awards.
The award looks to celebrate the unsung heroes in food education and catering across the UK. And Jamie said he was "honoured" to be able to present the award in person.
“Michelle’s dedication to promoting healthy eating and food education in school is truly inspiring,” he said.
“Her innovative approach clearly inspires her students and it was great being in her class. This is a teacher that is definitely doing more than what she’s paid for. She’s going the extra mile.
“Congratulations Michelle, it’s so well deserved. Thank you for showing what exceptional and brilliant looks like.”
Jamie emphasised how important it is to recognise teachers who go above and beyond the call of duty, adding: “I started these awards because I feel it is important to celebrate school food cooks, teams and teachers like today. It’s to celebrate what exceptional looks like.
“Cooking is such an important subject and I would encourage schools and teachers across the country to start teaching it.”
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