SLIPPERY ROCK TWP — Tuesday was a very special day for a special-education teacher at Slippery Rock High School.

Melanie Cole, who is the transitional coordinator for the school's special education department, was shocked to be awarded the Milken Educator Award and its accompanying $25,000 in front of the school's student body and faculty.

Only Principal Cory Hake and Superintendent Alfonso Angelucci knew why the student population and their teachers were gathered in the gymnasium while the marching band, Rockinettes and Chamber Singers performed.

Many had to wonder about the impressive row of officials who sat on either side of the podium on Tuesday, which included state Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera, state Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-21, Slippery Rock University President Philip Way, SRU Dean of Education Keith Dils, the Slippery Rock School Board and others.

Presenter Jane Foley of the Milken Family Foundation flew in from Santa Monica, Calif., to present Cole with the award.

“I've traveled all around the country (to bestow the award),” Foley said, “but this is my only stop in this state.”

Foley explained that she was there to hand over an award that is known as “the Oscars of education,” and she built the level of excitement in the gym by calling a number of life skills students to the dais with her and asking them to hold large cards with a number on each.

She first indicated the winner might get $250, but then added another zero to the end.

The audience seemed excited at the prospect of a teacher getting $2,500, and went wild when Foley enlisted a beaming Rivera to stand beside the students holding the final zero that signified $25,000.

“One of the best teachers in the entire country is right here in Slippery Rock Senior High School!” Foley shouted into the cacophony of screaming students and wide-eyed teachers. “May I have the envelope, please?”

When Cole's name was announced, the entire audience jumped to their feet and applauded loudly as Cole's hands flew to her mouth.

When she reluctantly approached the dais, one of her delighted life skills students enveloped her in a bear hug before she could shake the hands of Foley and Rivera.

“It's an amazing opportunity to be here today to celebrate all Mrs. Cole does for her community and her students,” Rivera said as a shaken Cole stood beside him in amazement. “Her expertise and dedication as a special-education teacher has made a profound impact on your students.

“On behalf of the governor, thank you for all you do each and every day,” Rivera said.

When Cole was persuaded to say a few words, she recalled 11 years prior when, as a Pittsburgh resident, she was offered a job in a school district with an unusual name.

“I came to Slippery Rock and it's the best decision I ever made,” Cole said.

She said she and another teacher joked in the bleachers that the award couldn't be for them because there are so many amazing teachers at the high school.

“Thank you for this opportunity,” Cole said. “I really appreciate it.”

Special education teacher Amy Kelly served as Cole's mentor teacher when she was hired.

As the students returned to class, Kelly said Cole's dedication to the school's special education students does not switch off at the end of the school day, as she devotes her free time to finding ways to benefit and help the students succeed.

As the transition coordinator, Kelly said, Cole prepares upperclassmen to move from school into the world of work or post-secondary education.

“She knows the students so well that she gets to know their needs,” Kelly said. “She guides the students toward a future they will enjoy and succeed in.”

Hake was beyond thrilled that Cole won the award.

“Melanie always puts students first,” Hake said. “She fights and battles for all her kids, and she's not afraid to encourage them and have the tough conversations with them.”

Hake said Cole's dedication goes above and beyond the capacity of her job description.

“She's the first one in the office and often the last one to leave,” Hake said of Cole's work ethic. “She's always trying to find an angle to help her students.”

Angelucci was thrilled but unsurprised that Cole was the teacher chosen for the award.

“Melanie creates opportunities for all kids of all ability levels,” he said. “She's a tireless worker on behalf of all kids.”

Hutchinson was excited that such a prestigious and rare award was bestowed in the 12th district.

“All teaching is a calling, but I think special education is an even more special calling,” Hutchinson said.

Cole had her picture taken with the officials on hand along with the oversized check for $25,000, which she can spend in any way she likes.

She also posed for a shot among her students, who were clearly excited about her honor.

“I was happy,” senior Josh Shelatree said of his teacher's award. “She helped me through all my years of high school.”

Cole, a Grove City resident, said she will likely spend some of the cash award on the special education program, which experiences transportation issues.

“But I'm a newlywed, so I'm going to spend a little on my husband, who always supports me,” she said.

Cole called her husband, Ryan, shortly before she went into the school library to enjoy congratulatory coffee and snacks with those involved in the announcement.

She explained to her groom, with a little help from Angelucci shouting complimentary asides into her speakerphone, that she won the Milken Educator Award.

“And I got a check for $25,000,” she said.

“For the school?” replied her husband, who is a physical education teacher in eastern Ohio.

Cole explained that she can spend the money however she chooses.

After a shocked pause, Ryan Cole pulled himself together.

“That's awesome babe,” he said. “We'll celebrate later.”

The Milken Family Foundation selects award winners using a confidential selection process, then potential winners are reviewed by panels appointed by state departments of education.

The Milken Family Foundation will award 45 Educator Awards across the U.S. in the 2017-18 school year.