Albuquerque teacher Sonya Romero is still in shock that she and her school got the attention of talk show host Ellen DeGeneres.
The kindergarten teacher was back in class Friday, a day after appearing on DeGeneres' show, where she was surprised with two giant $10,000 checks.
One check goes to her and one to Lew Wallace Elementary.
Romero was invited to be a guest after the show's producers read about what she has done to help her students.
A teacher for 20 years, Romero has a reputation for giving to students even outside the classroom.
Romero says she often gives clean clothes or breakfast to students who have had to go without.
She says 75 percent of the students rely on free or reduced-price lunches.
___
Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.