Helpful Honda surprises Price Elementary teacher

DOWNEY – What began as a Staff Appreciation Week assembly at Price Elementary on Tuesday quickly turned into an unforgettable celebration for the entire school community.

As students and staff gathered to honor their educators, the surprise arrival of the Helpful Honda people transformed the event into a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Ms. Zemke was recognized as one of only five teachers across Southern California to receive a $5,000 award to support students on her campus.

The award will fund the creation of a new “TK Village,” a dedicated space designed to support young learners through hands-on exploration. The project will include large building blocks, playground equipment, stepping logs, storage carts, and other interactive learning tools that promote creativity, collaboration, and play.

The unexpected announcement was met with cheers from students and colleagues, highlighting the meaningful impact Ms. Zemke has made through her leadership, innovation, and deep commitment to creating an engaging and inclusive learning environment.

The recognition is part of Helpful Honda’s “Random Acts of Helpfulness” initiative, celebrating educators who go above and beyond for their students and school communities.