NFL star surprises student and 'hero' teacher
Student's essay lands teacher a visit from one of his favorite players
BY MICHAEL ACKER
Staff Writer

CHRIS KELLY staff Philadelphia Eagles tight end L.J. Smith looks on as Truman School Principal Linda Coffey celebrates with student Corie-Anne Richardson, who wrote the winning essay in a state contest about her hero teacher, Eddie Howard. Smith paid a surprise visit Tuesday to present the prizes.

Eddie Howard considers his work as a teacher at Sayreville's Truman School an opportunity to inspire children to accomplish their dreams.

One of his students recently got the chance to say thank you.

And did she ever.

Her essay on Howard landed the teacher recognition as a New Jersey Public Schools Hero, resulting in a prize package delivered to a shocked Howard on Tuesday morning by none other than L.J. Smith, tight end on the teacher's favorite football team, the Philadelphia Eagles.

Student Corie-Anne Richardson, who had Howard last year for second grade, wrote the winning essay in a New Jersey Education Association [NJEA] Eagles Public School Hero contest. Corie wrote the essay in the hopes that Howard would get to meet a player from the NFL team he loves.

Howard has been teaching at Truman for six years. He also attended the school as a kid.

"Mr. Howard is most deserving of this special award," school Principal Linda Coffey said. "He gives of himself and he meets the needs of his students academically and socially. Education is very special to him."

Meagan Richardson, Corie's mother, told Greater Media Newspapers that Corie still praises Howard, a year after she had him as a teacher.

"She adores Mr. Howard," Meagan said. "He really made an impact on her. She still draws him pictures."

Writing is Corie's passion, and the NJEA's selection of her essay as the winner was a delightful surprise to the family.

"Corie truly wanted it for Mr. Howard," Meagan said.

Kathryn Coulibaly, associate director for public relations communications at NJEA, said this was the second year for the student essay contest, which awards one teacher each from the elementary, middle and high school levels annually. The organization was approached by the Philadelphia Eagles Radio Network earlier in the year to become a partner.

"It gives the kids an opportunity to express generosity, and win an award for their story of how a teacher touched their lives," Coulibaly said.

Corie accompanied L.J. Smith on Tuesday in the surprise visit to Howard while he was teaching his class. Many at the school knew Smith was coming Tuesday, but kept it a secret from Howard.

"This is truly an honor," a clearly touched Howard said. "I can't believe this."

Corie read her two-page essay aloud as her family, fellow students, Smith and Howard listened.

"Mr. Howard was very nice to us," she said in one part. "He told us we were going to have the best year ever, and he was right. Mr. Howard made our lessons fun with games. One time he had a fish and the class named it 'Smelly' because it smelled like dirty socks. We were learning about fish that day and how they breathe with their gills under water."

She noted in the essay that she would like her favorite teacher to see his favorite sports team.

"It would be great for him to see the Eagles," Corie said. "It would make his year."

Addressing Corie, Howard told her that students like her are what make teaching so rewarding.

"I cannot tell you what this means to me," Howard told her. "You are an unbelievable student. ... You are so thoughtful and kind and I am so proud of you. You have a bright future ahead of you."

Howard introduced Smith to his class.

"He is the best tight end in the NFL," Howard said. "He played for Rutgers, who are 5-0, and now he plays for the Eagles."

Smith, who is originally from Highland Park, said he had presented rewards to educators at other schools, but he could see a special bond between Corie and Howard.

"It's great. This is what it is all about," he said.

Later, when addressing a crowded hallway of elementary school students, Smith offered some words of inspiration.

"I was a basketball player when I was your age," Smith said. "But I had five uncles that played [football] in college, so when I was in seventh grade I started playing football. You don't have to start so early, just concentrate on that and your school work, and you can accomplish your dreams."

Smith gave Howard and Corie two tickets each and VIP tailgate passes to an Eagles home game, as well as team memorabilia. They will also be honored at the NJEA and Eagles Radio Hero Recognition Night at Dave & Buster's on Nov. 13.

Howard told Greater Media Newspapers that he was honored that Corie wrote her essay about him.

"The essay is the prize for me," Howard said. "The rewards of teaching go far beyond monetary value."