reporter: this mass is special the result of planning by students staff and family to honor beth ann gallagherallagher has been awarded the national cathedral lick education association distinguished teacher award. >> it means a lot to me. means more to her. >> everyone loves her. >> i learned so much in her class. i mean even not related to school just around people and just being kind to others, it's -- she teaches so many things. >> reporter: mrs. gallagher encourages her students to pay it forward in a project her class does every year and today her school wanted to celebrate her award. >> ♪♪ >> at this time i invite mrs. gallagher to come into the sanctuary. (applause). >> this is such a dream. i feel like somebody pinch me, wake up. it just seems so surreal. >> reporter: mrs. gallagher says this was more than she could imagine the perfect gift on what happened to be her birthday. and as a gift to the school in honor of their distinguished teacher, the archdiocese is giving these students a holiday, a day off in her honor. mrs. gallagher just hopes her students will continue to share thei