Longtime educator Michelle Harris was surprised with a new home air conditioning system on April 16 during a Mary Esther Elementary School faculty meeting, in honor of her 31 years of service to Okaloosa County students. The event, made possible by We Care A/C, Plumbing, and Electric, gathered Superintendent Marcus Chambers, Principal Dawn Johnson, faculty, Chamber of Commerce representatives, School Board Member Parker Destin, and the We Care team.
Harris has spent her entire 31-year career in Okaloosa County, including 28 years at Mary Esther Elementary, where her own children once attended. Over the years, she has taught every grade level in elementary school and continues to inspire young learners in her second-grade classroom. “This moment is about more than a gift; it’s about honoring a life poured into others,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “For 31 years, Ms. Harris has shown up day after day with heart, compassion, and a belief in every child who walks through her door. She’s not just teaching lessons, she’s shaping lives, lifting families, and leaving a legacy that will be felt for generations.”
The recognition came after We Care A/C, Plumbing, and Electric approached the district with a desire to give back in a meaningful way, prompting a selection process to identify a teacher whose impact extends far beyond the classroom. Edgar Jimenez, Brand President of We Care A/C, Plumbing, and Electric, shared the company’s motivation behind the recognition, emphasizing the vital role teachers play in shaping the future. “Teachers don’t just educate. You provide guidance, you influence, you provide support, you provide comfort, that little bit of encouragement every day that no one may see,” Jimenez said. “The reality is you help raise our kids, and to a parent, that’s not a small thing. That is everything.”
“Ms. Harris represents the very best of Mary Esther Elementary,” said Principal Dawn Johnson. “She leads with kindness, builds lasting relationships with her students, and creates a classroom where every child feels valued and supported. We are so proud to celebrate her and incredibly grateful for this generous gift.” Harris, visibly surprised, expressed her gratitude. “I’m incredibly thankful and honored,” stated Harris. “Teaching has always been my dream, and I feel fortunate to have spent my career doing something that truly makes a difference.”