Chautauqua Elementary School multi-age teacher Gerie Wilson was honored last week at a surprise presentation at the school.

Symetra Life Insurance Company in partnership with the Seattle Seahawks presented Wilson with an award for her work that spans more than three decades in the classroom.

Wilson said she was at lunch with her class when the award presentation started, and she was unsuspecting — until she heard her name.

“It’s so exciting. It’s great,” she said. “I am very thankful.”

Jean-Francois Mannina and Jenny Sorenson, Chautauqua parents, nominated Wilson.

Wilson received a $1,000 donation for her classroom as well as tickets to a Seahawks home game. She will be acknowledged during an on-field presentation at CenturyLink Field at the Nov. 15 game when the Seahawks take on the Arizona Cardinals.

On Monday, Wilson said she and the other multi-age teachers will likely use the unexpected money to rejuvenate their school garden.

Principal Jody Metzger also praised Wilson.

“Her students are on fire about learning, because they see their part in a larger whole. Gerie has put her heart and soul into teaching and the children feel and know it,” she said.