"A Hamilton intermediate teacher has been crowned New Zealand’s Most Inspiring Teacher from nearly 5000 nominations around the country," Voxy.co.nz reports today.
The report continues: "Maeroa Intermediate’s Melanie Wihongi-Popham has been named the overall winner in a Warehouse Stationery initiative to recognise the hard work of Kiwi teachers, which saw more than 17,000 votes cast by students, parents and families."
"With eight individual nominations, Ms Wihongi-Popham has taken out the title of New Zealand’s Most Inspiring Teacher for ensuring her students get the best possible education while feeling nurtured and cared for in the classroom."
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'"Ms Wihongi-Popham needs cloning,' says parent Samantha White, who was one of the people to nominate the hard-working teacher. 'She epitomises what a teacher should be in her every waking moment...I cannot start to adequately paint a picture about how much commitment she has. Melanie embraces diversity and inclusion, has high expectations of all her students and provides such a safe learning environment."'
Read the full article at Voxy.co.nz.
Ms Wihongi-Popham is a member of Hamilton's Grandview Ward (congregation) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Watch a video about Melanie Wihongi-Popham on TVNZ's Seven Sharp.