On Tuesday morning, students, teachers and administrators at Bumpus Middle School in Hoover gathered in the school's gymnasium under the guise of having the state Education Department talk to the pupils.
But to the surprise of Bumpus computer science teacher and football coach Vinny Chiaramonte, the assembly was actually held to honor him as one of 45 teachers across the country to receive the prestigious Milken Educator Award - dubbed "the Oscars of Education."
"They didn't tell us anything. They said there'd be a guest speaking and another special guest and that's all," Chiaramonte told reporters after receiving the award, which comes with a $25,000 check. "I don't think anybody had an idea what was coming. I'm glad it happened."
Chiaramonte, 37, fought back tears of joy as he thanked the California-based Milken Family Foundation for giving him the award, which cannot be applied to. The Alabama Department of Education recommended Chiaramonte to the foundation because of his passion for teaching and encouraging attitude toward his students.
"He has students he wants to not only succeed in computer science, but to know how to think, so if they want to choose another career they're ready for that career as well," said Jane Foley, senior vice president of the Milken Educator Awards.
Chiaramonte said the $25,000 will practically erase his student debt from Montevallo University, where he obtained a master's degree in secondary education. Chunks of the money will also help pay his wife's student debt, with the balance going toward a new car.
"Just thank you. I'm humbled. I mean, this is not what I expected to have happened, so thank you," he told the crowd, adding that he was surprised he was singled out for the honor. "Also, my wife and children, my girls would thank you because that's a lot of money to us. So we can get some things paid off and that's super exciting. Money's always good, but this honor, y'all. Me? So thank you. Thank you so much."
Chiaramonte's journey to being recognized as one of the top teachers in the country was an unexpected one. The Georgia native dropped out of school in the 9th grade after getting into a fight.
"I felt like I didn't have a place," he said. "I felt like I didn't have value, and now that's why I became a teacher. Especially in middle school, because that's when I started making difficult choices. And if I can go back to middle school, speak life into these kids, maybe I can keep someone on the right path."
Chiaramonte went on to get his GED and attended college in Georgia to obtain a bachelor's degree in biblical studies. After a two-year stint as a teacher in a Christian school, he became a youth pastor. He then attended Montevallo for his master's degree.
The computer science teacher and football coach said he cherishes the letters from former students who write about how he shaped their life, and that the Milken Educator Award was the "icing on the cake."
"We have an awesome job as teachers. The impact we have on students. Nobody sees that or understands that," he said. "This is a great profession to be in, but there's a lot of accountability too."
Foley said Chiaramonte's story "is a real example that if u follow your dreams and you persevere and you work hard, many great things will happen."