PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY, Va. -- A Central Virginia teacher up for a national award is estimated to have taught more than 6,000 students during her nearly 50 years in the classroom.
Louise Thornton spent her first year teaching sixth grade, but when she got the chance to teach history at Prince George County High School, the William and Mary grad jumped at the chance.
And for the last quarter century, she has been teaching government. The passionate educator has no plans to retire in the foreseeable future.
Louise Thornton
"I really do want to come back next year, because it is an election year and I absolutely love election time," Thornton said.
Matthew Clark, one of her former students, nominated Thornton for the "LifeChanger of the Year" award from the National Life Group, which helps educators with financial planning and insurance.
Thornton and Clark estimate she has taught more than 6,000 students during her career.
Yearbook photos of Louise Thornton over the years.
Thornton credits the school with her longevity.
“One of the reasons is I really love Prince George High School,"Thornton said. "It’s been good to me over the years. It’s a sense of family here.”
Her love of teaching came long before college, but as the years went by she never lost her enthusiasm.
Now students in her classroom tell her that she taught their mothers and fathers, aunts and uncles.
Louise Thornton
Just down the hall from her classroom, Beth Andersen, one of her former AP Government students, is now a teacher, too.
“She’s passionate about her subject area. She’s passionate about her students. And that’s’ what most important and that’s one of the things I took from her,” said Andersen, who has been teaching 19 years.
Beth Andersen
Thornton is just one of those teachers, many say, that students don't forget.
As for the seniors she teaches today, there is no disconnect.
In fact, one student called her "great" and said she engages teens just like any other teacher.
"The stories she shares, the knowledge that she has, the interaction on a daily basis is wonderful," another student said. "And I look forward to coming to class."
Thornton also has wise words for older folks about her students.
“Young people keep us moving," she said. "They are so enthusiastic.”
