Rose Garden Ceremony - Yes, That's THE Rose Garden

I don't think there are words to describe such a surreal experience, but I'll try.

Today I was the last teacher on the bus headed for the White House because I spent some time emailing my colleagues at Gravelly Hill Middle School, and I was running a little late. I wanted to make sure, before the press release came out, to tell them that my friend and fellow finalist Tony Mullen would soon be named the 2009 National Teacher of the Year. I also wanted to thank them for their unwavering support this year as I have traveled the state on behalf of teachers. But, oops, the time got away from me...so I hustled out to the bus, and off we went!

Once we arrived, the security check began...actually, it started months ago when we sent in the names of our visitors along with our names and social security numbers...background checks, I guess. CIA clearance? Who knows?

Here I am, looking distressed...

At any rate, when they checked, my name wasn't on the list. I could feel the tears coming while I waited with two other teachers who were also missing from the list and the kind Teacher of the Year from Alaska, who was on the list, but who refused to enter without us. Magically, someone produced an updated list, and we were all allowed in.

By the way, two guests actually were not allowed in: the husband of Virginia Teacher of the Year Stephanie Doyle and the son-in-law of Missouri TOY Margaret Williams. Stephanie was seen pictured shaking the President's hand on many newspapers the next day, and I told her that kind of helped to make up for it, but not enough. I can't imagine how I would have felt if I had looked out over that crowd and seen no one familiar, no one there for me. As it was, my husband was an obnoxious photographer and can be seen on some publicity photos hovering over Michelle Obama's head.

There's David, fourth row, gray hair, camera in hand...just behind the First Lady and Jill Biden.

Since we had been detained, the rest of the group had made it to the Rose Garden, but our little group had to wait for a military escort. So we hung out in the Presidential library until our time to meet the others.

Next we lined up, in order of height (we had already practiced) and waited for the President to come out of a press conference - Senator Specter had just announced that he would be changing parties, so all of the press that had arrived for the TOY celebration had run inside to see what the President would say.

There I am on the right in the white suit.

Michelle Obama and Jill Biden were introduced first.

The President entered, saying "Hello, everybody!"

The President greeted the guests.

After the Rose Garden ceremony, I was interviewed by the sponsor of the National Teacher of the Year Program, ING.

The view from the Rose Garden - it was an amazing day!

Thank you, North Carolina, for giving me this unforgettable opportunity..

P.S. You can view the event here.