Fort Mill educator is district’s first finalist for SC teacher of the year

FORT MILL, S.C. — Students are celebrating their teacher’s nomination for South Carolina’s teacher of the year.

Laura Merk is the first teacher from Fort Mill Schools to become a finalist for the top honor.

“When we’re learning like a new lesson, she makes new dance moves so it can be fun for us,” said student Isabella Cruz.

Merk said it’s the connection with her students that keeps her going, especially during a pandemic.

“It’s hard. We’re all tired right now, especially right now, but you have to show up for your students and you’ve got to stay focused on the reason why,” she said.

>> In the video at the top of the page, Channel 9′s Anthony Kustura was there for the special surprise and heard from some of her students.

(WATCH BELOW: Union Co. student gets special surprise after losing nearly everything in house fire)

Union Co. student gets special surprise after losing nearly everything in house fire

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