THE SELMA TIMES-JOURNAL

Southside High School math teacher Lenore Lofton had her algebra lesson interrupted Tuesday morning by noisy students.

At first she didn’t know why. Then, she didn’t seem to mind.

Her students erupted in applause with the surprise visit from Victor Morrow and Vivian James of Wal-Mart. Lofton was presented with a big check for $1,000

and the honor of Selma Wal-Mart & Sam’s Club Teacher of the Year for 2007.

Lofton received the most votes of the 100 nominated. Southside received $1,000. Lofton received a $100 Wal-Mart gift card, a polo shirt and a plaque honoring her as top teacher. She is also eligible for statewide honors, where the prize is $10,000, Morrow said.

Her students weren’t.

Southside principal Bailey Dawson said Lofton is &8220;brilliant on the subject matter.&8221;