May 18, 2026 – It was a surprise that North Shore Elementary School teacher Reneka Williams wasn’t prepared for. As the fifth-grade teacher walked into her classroom, she was greeted by an unexpected guest – Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christopher Bernier.
“She’s a bit skeptical!” Bernier exclaimed before the class.
It wasn’t long before the purpose of Bernier’s visit to Williams’ classroom was revealed. Through the district’s second annual “Gratitude in Ink” initiative, teachers like Williams were surprised with letters written by current seniors. As Williams and her students listened, the superintendent read a letter authored by a student graduating from Stanton College Preparatory School.
“You were the main reason I began to love math as much as I do today,” the student wrote. “Before being in your class, math was just another subject. But that’s not the way you taught it. With patience, excitement, and encouragement, you made it meaningful—and yes, even fun.”
The superintendent wasn’t the only one surprising teachers with these powerful student messages. Educators received surprise visits from other district leaders, including school board members, principals, and district administrators. For Englewood High School teachers like Theodotes Denson and Denitra Deas-Jay, their letters were presented by district Chief of Staff Mike Ramirez.
Deas-Jay had a hard time holding back tears as Ramirez read a letter from a William M. Raines High School student who never forgot the impact the educator had on her.
“Without you, I wouldn’t have gotten my first report card with all good grades, and I wouldn’t understand where I would be without your encouraging words,” said the student. “I would just like to give you lots of praise and thanks for being the teacher you have been. I could not have gotten here today without you.”
In Denson’s class, the history teacher was honored as an educator who brought lessons to life.
“Before your class, I used to think of history as just dates and events to memorize,” shared the former student. “But the way you teach completely changed my perspective. When you explained historical events, you did not just tell us what happened—you helped us understand why it happened and how it connects to the world we live in today.”
Team Duval News cameras were rolling as Williams, Deas-Jay, and Denson received their letters, all framed and printed on school letterhead. To hear more excerpts and see their reactions, watch the videos posted below.