In a classroom at Wilkes Middle School in Wilkes County, Jeff Atwell, a teacher assistant, provides not only the care necessary to keep his students comfortable in the classroom, but the support they need to reach their potential in school.

“I am the mother of a severely disabled child,” said Kasey Byrd-Smithey. “Knowing that my son is taken care of the way that I would take care of him is an amazing feeling. Jeff understands what the kids need without the kids having to tell him and that just relieves all of my stress when it comes to sending my son school.”

Rodney Graham, principal of the school, says that Atwell shows endless patience and compassion at his job, giving parents of his students “peace of mind.”

“Nothing you ever do for children is wasted,” said Graham. “When the children know that they are loved and cared for, I think they can accomplish some pretty amazing things far beyond what we even thought that they would be capable of.”

Atwell’s commitment to his job and compassion for his students led to his selection as an Education Lottery School Hero.

Atwell says he likes to treat his students like he would his youngest son, who has autism.

“He’s thriving now,” said Atwell. “He came through this school system. He’s now in college at Western Carolina. I think that’s where my passion for this job comes from. I treat the kids in our classroom like they’re my children.”

The Education Lottery created the NC School Heroes program to showcase the positive impacts teachers, principals, and other school workers have in public schools every day. Parents, teachers, and community members submitted more than 4,900 nominations of individuals making a difference in their schools.

Both the School Hero and their school receive a $10,000 award.

Atwell said he plans to use his award to move into his new house and pay off some medical bills. Graham said that the school will use some of the award to buy appliances for Atwell’s classroom and the rest to support classrooms throughout the school.

“Teachers and school staff have all stepped up for our children during these unprecedented times,” said Mark Michalko, executive director of the N.C. Education Lottery. “The 10 School Heroes selected this year provide a glimpse into the world of these everyday heroes and we are glad to shine a spotlight on their great work.”

Money raised by the lottery assists many of those School Heroes, including $386 million this school year that supports the work of school support staff such as office assistants and custodians. Additional money will help build and repair schools, support the N.C. Pre-K program for “at-risk” four-year-olds, provide college scholarships and grants based on financial need, and help meet school transportation needs.

The lottery raises more than $725 million a year for education. For details on how $4.2 million in lottery funds have made a difference in Wilkes County, click on the “Impact” section of the lottery’s website, www.nclottery.com.