Pre-K Teacher at Rochester's School No. 7 Surprised With Statewide Honor

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Derinda McKinstry, a pre-K teacher at Rochester's School No. 7, was surprised Wednesday with the Better Beginnings Award from the New York State Board of Regents. It's the first time a pre-K teacher was so honored.

The School seven, Pre-K  teacher had no idea she was selected this year's award winner.

McKinstry, who's taught in the city school district for a year and a half, was recognized for making a positive difference in the lives of her students.

"I never have a bad day. I am one of the few people who can say I walk with a smile and I walk out with a smile because every day, there is always a day where one of the children are giving you something to take away, like the biggest gift," McKinstry said.

The New York State Better Beginnings Award, created in honor of Helen Bach Moss, has for 20 years honored the state's most nurturing teachers.