BRITT, IA - There's two places you're likely to find West Hancock teacher Mrs. Sanger - helping out a student plagued by computer concerns or cheering the Eagles on to victory.
Student Melony McDermott commented, "watching her on the sidelines of the basketball games and football games is so exciting. You just see how excited she gets."
Mrs. Sanger said she's perfectly happy blending in on the bleachers. But on Tuesday morning, her students and colleagues put her front and center during a school-wide assembly in her honor.
Mrs. Sanger said, "today just kind of overwhelms me."
McDermott added, "I know she's probably a little embarrassed, but it's something she deserved."
And if you ask anyone in Britt, they'll tell you her recognition is overdue.
As High School Principal Jeff Recker put it, "West Hancock High school would not be the place it is today without Mrs. Sanger."
She's involved in just about every activity the school offers.
"She does so much, she puts in countless hours," said McDermott.
If a student can't fit a class into their schedule, she'll make time in hers.
Mrs. Sanger said she offers independent studies for kids because, "if they want to pursue that area, it's fun to keep them going."
And with four sons and two new granddaughters, her students can count on her for some good old-fashioned advice.
McDermott explained, "if we have a concern about something, usually the first person we go to is Mrs. Sanger."
She's been there for her high school kids for forty years, and Mrs. Sanger said she'll continue rooting them on for many years to come.
