FORT WORTH, Texas -- Usually, Oprah Winfrey has one "favorite things" show per year. But not this time.
For her farewell season, she was doing something extra special, and one Fort Worth teacher walked away with a haul.
Dunbar High School educator Kathy Elliott was showered with gifts — everything from diamonds to a new car — all because of her passion for education and her ability to teach students that they're worth it.
Many of her students don't come from a life of opportunity, so she strives to make a difference — like the other "everyday heroes" who were invited to Chicago recently to be in Oprah's audience.
"It's not as visible as going to Somalia, or building a house," Elliott said, "but I do think I affect kids' lives."
For that, Oprah wanted to honor her and others with a surprise. Elliott remembers the electrifying moment at Winfrey's studio.
"The snow started to come down, and that's when we knew," Elliott said. "I was sitting right behind a rail — which was a good thing, because every time we stood up, I held onto the rail."
Elliott showed off a box filled with special gifts, including diamond earrings.
"I have never had diamond anything in my life except my wedding ring," she said.
And then there is the brand-new Volkswagen Beetle that will arrive in the spring.
But like a teacher — through all the iPads and candles and other gifts in the box, the one that sticks out the most is "The Book of Awakening" and the message it delivers.
"'Without jumping off its perch, the bird would never fly,'" she read. "I love that; I'm going to tell that to my kids."
Elliott said Oprah cried at the end of the show, thanking everyone for coming, and for their selflessness.
After that, a lawyer and and accountant showed up to make sure these "everyday heroes" won't pay a dime in taxes on their gifts — including the car.
E-mail sslater@wfaa.com
