Portsmouth’s Top Teacher Says She’s Just Giving Back

the virginian-pilot

PORTSMOUTH – First-grade teacher Mary H. Froeh-lich of Olive Branch Elementary School has been named Citywide Teacher of the Year and Elementary Teacher of the Year.

Other award winners include Margaret Duffey of Churchland Middle School, Middle School Teacher of the Year; and Arlene Wood of I.C. Norcom High School, High School Teacher of the Year.

Froehlich, 53, is a Portsmouth native who began her teaching career at Churchland Academy Elementary School in 1976. She has taught kindergarten and first, second and third grades.

“I’m a Portsmouth girl born and raised, and I’ve done all my teaching here,” she said.

Froehlich said her mother, who had two daughters, was a single parent .

“Portsmouth public school teachers took a special interest in me and made me believe in myself,” she said.

“I’m just trying to give that back.”

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