Mesa school principal given $5,000 by Surprise Squad
MESA, AZ (AZFamily) — Jenna is the principal at Montessori Education Centre in Mesa. She’s worked there for 17 years, and students, staff, and parents alike adore her.
Last fall, just as a new school year was starting, she was diagnosed with cancer. But Jenna didn’t let that slow her down, and it was that kind of drive and commitment that prompted a parent named Wendy to nominate her for a visit from Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad.
“She’s one of the kindest people that I’ve probably ever met in my life,” Wendy told Arizona’s Family Colton Shone. “And has one of the biggest hearts. She’s here for service.” Wendy added that Jenna was the entire reason she sent her children to school.
School had started a few minutes earlier when Colton and the crew entered the school’s office. Jenna was sitting at a desk and was already wondering why her husband and two children were visiting her that morning. The arrival of the Surprise Squad only added to her confusion.
“I love Montessori and I love the kids,” Jenna told Colton. “I think when I got my cancer diagnosis the thing that made me fight the hardest was looking at those kids.” She went on to explain that initially she was going to have two different surgeries.
Still, after six months of chemotherapy, her surgeon decided she only needed the first, and now it was time for her body to heal. If all continues as expected, she should be in remission for Stage 3 cancer later this summer.
“As part of our Surprise Squad and our proud sponsors, your Valley Toyota Dealers, we have a little surprise for you in here if you want to open this up.” Colton handed Jenna an envelope. Inside was a certificate for $5,000. Colton explained she could use that money however she wished.
“This is incredible,” Jenna said as she started to get emotional. “I’m not a person that doesn’t have words very often. Thank you.” Jenna then joked with Wendy, saying if she had given her a heads up she would have worn a different outfit.
“It’s called the Surprise Squad,” Jenna’s young daughter Gwen pointed out. “You’re right,” Jenna smiled. “And I was very surprised to see you all here.”
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