Hodgkin’s Leadership Academy Teacher Kylie Smith has been named the Denver Nuggets Most Valuable Teacher (MVT) for the month of April.

In addition to the special recognition, she received tickets to the game against the Memphis Grizzlies and a $1,000 grant to support her classroom. She also received an MVT plague and a Nuggets gift bag.

“The Denver Nuggets have a special place in my heart and are a very large part of my life, so I was honored to be recognized by an incredible organization,” said Smith. She and her husband are season ticket holders.

She received news of the award with a surprise visit to her classroom from Nuggets Community Advisor Ervin Johnson. She was treated to dinner before the game and was also recognized on the jumbotron screen during the game.

According to the team, the MVT program encourages teachers and school administrators to continually strive for excellence and leadership at their school by offering a unique experience. It was a memorable night for Smith, but she didn’t get into the teaching profession for the rewards.

“I became a teacher to have a positive influence on children’s lives like my former teachers had on me," she said. “My favorite part of the job is building relationships with my students and figuring out what works best for each kiddo.”