"We have the greatest community here and without them, I wouldn't have this award," Avery said. "I appreciate all of them. I just want to thank everybody."
Members of the Golden Knights organization surprised Avery at Bob Miller Middle School with a video from Golden Knights Captain Mark Stone congratulating her on winning the award.
"When I first saw Mark Stone jump up on the screen, I was like 'what?' Then it just clicked," Avery said. "Oh my gosh, that's Mark Stone! It took me a moment and it was just so overwhelming and surprising."
Presenting sponsor and NHL and NHLPA partner SAP donated $20,000 to the Clark County School district to be used towards Environmental Sustainability Resources. Avery also received a custom VGK jersey and will be recognized with a special in-arena moment during a Golden Knights game next season.
In February, Avery was also recognized as the NHL/NHLPA Future Goals Most Valuable Teacher of the Month presented by SAP. She was chosen from 19 other nominees from across the United States and Canada. The league-wide contest is hosted by the NHL, NHLPA and EVERFI from January through March of 2022 and celebrates everyday heroes in the classroom.
"Carolyn Avery loves kids," said Nicole Lehman-Donadio, principal at Bob Miller Middle School. "She comes here every day with a heart for kids. She's all about making a difference. She sees a need and fills a need. She's always stepping up to help students, be a coach and be an instructional leader. She's positive all the time. She's one of those people where you feel better for being in her presence."
Such a significant investment in the school is one that Avery plans to reinvest in her students to help mode the next generation of community leaders.
"I can share all of this with the kids," Avery said. "It's all for them. I'm glad the community was behind me every step of the way."
