By Timberly Ferree TOP TEACHER: Linton-Stockton Junior High School teacher Ashley Mathis (left) was recently been named Walmart Teacher of the Year. Mathis, who teaches seventh grade math, helped Ashlee Richards, a seventh grader at LSJHS, with a problem Wednesday. [Order this photo]

Ashley Mathis, math teacher at the junior high, was surprised with the announcement last week.

"I was really surprised. I was shocked," Mathis said. "It was an honor to me. ... They (Walmart managers) came in unannounced towards the end of the day."

Along with the honor, Mathis received a $100 gift card and the school received $1,000.

Mathis, a second-year teacher, decided to go into teaching at a young age.

"I used to play school as a child," she said. "I actually told my mom in the second grade that I wanted to be a teacher."

As a child, she was influenced by several teachers at the Linton-Stockton School Corporation.

"I really had some great teachers," said the 2002 LSHS grad.

"It's pretty awesome. I'm so lucky to be here. I wanted to stay in Linton."

Mathis is a 2006 Indiana State University grad. She is married to Travis Mathis and they are expecting their first child in April.

Teacher of the Year is determined by customer nominations, explained a Walmart representative.

"Any customer can nominate a teacher," the rep said, noting you just fill out a form and drop it into a box.