PERRY, FL (WTXL) - Once a Teacher, Always a Teacher.
In the Taylor County School District, June's Difference Maker "Flora Woodfaulk" has taught many generations.
Sitting down with Ms. Flora Woodfaulk, right away you notice her impeccable style and the moxie to go with it.
"Most people know I won't bake a cake for them, but I'll do something else for them," said Flora Woodfaulk.
She’s “offered” to bake cakes for a lot of people over the years, but she has more important things on her plate.
"To make it a better tomorrow for all of us," Woodfaulk said.
Flora Woodfaulk is now in her 80's.
She credits more than four decades of teaching students in the Taylor County School District for keeping her young at heart.
She began educating 3rd graders when she was only 19-years-old.
"They keep me young you know," she laughed.
For 42 years Flora Woodfaulk has walked down many school hallways and has taught in many classrooms within the Taylor County School District.
The saying goes if walls could talk, on Difference Makers in a way they are.
"My mom knew that Ms. Woodfaulk kept a very strict class because she probably already had her as well and that was not tolerated in those days. But I love Ms. Woodfaulk. She was an excellent teacher," said School Counselor Sharon Jandula.
"I don't remember Ms. Woodaulk being that strict," said Danny Glover, Taylor Co. Schools Superintendent.
School Counselor Sharon Jandula and Superintendent Danny Glover are just a few of Ms. Woodfaulk's former students.
"She was always so much fun. She made learning fun,” said Glover.
20 years into her retirement, Ms. Woodfaulk serves on numerous committees. She's even launched her latest endeavor, "The Dreamers and Doers" Program.
"I was inspired by looking at the drop-out rate. Not only in our local community, but it's a national problem," said Woodfaulk.
The program offers incentives like trips for Taylor County High School and Middle School Students who demonstrate academic excellence, including good school attendance and grades.
In February, this group of students traveled to Atlanta Georgia, where they visited the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and got to see behind-the-scenes at CNN.
"A fun and great learning experience,” said Student Nathaniel Washington.
"She's giving us a lot of great opportunities," said Student Hunter Bell.
Both students say participating in the program has ignited a fire in them to pursue career paths in computer science.
They'll attend Florida A & M University in the fall.
"As young people we have a lot of distractions. This gives us a chance to better our future," Hunter Bell said.
"I want them to use their God-given talents and if I can motivate them in any way to go beyond the mundane things and go on to new heights, then that's my joy," said Woodfaulk.
Always in the background. Not much for the spotlight, Ms. Woodfaulk simply finds joy in helping young minds.
Ms. Flora Woodfaulk is in the forefront now.
Several people showed up to Taylor County High School to sing her praises.
You could call them "The Flora Committee"
"Makes me want to do more. If I can help someone along the way, then I really want to continue that," Woodfaulk said.
She's still teaching. She's still inspiring.
That's why Flora Woodfaulk is June's Difference Maker.
Flora Woodfaulk plans to expand the Dreamers and Doers program to elementary students next year and this time she wants to take them to our Nation's Capitol.
If you want to nominate someone who’s making a difference like Flora, submit them by sending us an email at abc27news@wtxl.tv
