When we showed up Annette Short didn't know what to think.
We explained to the teacher's assistant at Norfolk's Jacox Elementary School that we received an email the other day from her granddaughter, Tatianna Short, asking us to put her grandmother in the spotlight.
Tatianna says her grandmother is always doing good for people. "And I just thought since I've seen on TV that you guys were nominating people who take action, I thought I should nominate her because she takes action, does everything she can for anybody."
For much of the day, you'll find Annette Short in the school's computer lab.
You'll also find her in what's known as the school's "bucks store."
The store encourages positive behavior. The students can earn school bucks for good grades, completed homework assignments, being well-behaved, plus math skills are reinforced when the kids use their bucks to buy stuff.
Tatianna pointed out in her email that while the school gives her grandmother money to shop for the store, sometimes she comes out of her own pocket when she sees something extra the kids may like. Annette Short sees the students as family.
"I treat them like they're my grandkids. I only think the best of them."
She also helps out with the before and after school program. And for all these reasons, we presented Annette Short with a NewsChannel 3 People Taking Action award along with a $100 Visa gift card from our community partner Southern Bank.
"You guys are making me cry. I'm not supposed to cry in front of the children," says Short.
