our february teacher of the month is ken leon from francis scott key elementary school, and she teaches kindergarten. [applause] karen works on treasure island with many students who are homeless or victims midday or had a family member who was murdered. she found a connection with her students through knitting and taught them to be in patterns and math. gave his students the self- esteem and hope to be someone with a goal in life. the best part of all the -- the best part where all the hugs and smiles from students when they would come to school with a sense of peace and hope in a world that could be a better place for them to live. our february teacher of the month, karen. congratulations. >> thank you, everyone. like the other teachers have said, it is different talking to a group of adults. i'm mystified girls. anyhow, i want to tell you i'm very thrilled and honored to get this award. i could not do it without all the wonderful people i work with. our principal and all the teachers and our staff -- we have such great families at our school, and children that are amazing. thanks for