ROCK HILL, SC (WBTV) – Defiance Tropical Storm Debby Heading toward the Carolinas, the first day of school will take place as planned on Thursday for Rock Hill Schools.

When students return, they will be greeted in newly renovated classrooms by three teachers. These teachers are the winners of Inspiring Spaces, a classroom transformation program for outstanding educators.

One of the winners is elementary school teacher Amanda Bolt. Her students describe her as someone who has changed everything and instilled a love of learning.

Bolt’s renovated room in Northside Elementary School is equipped with new tables and chairs, a disco ball and a hydroponic tower for growing plants.

“(It’s) just a small token of appreciation,” said Dr. Tommy Schmolze, Rock Hills School Superintendent. “A lot of people have come together to make this possible, but it’s so worth it when you can see the look on their faces.”

More than 70 teachers were nominated for the redesign. Bolt said the new classroom is a place where students will feel encouraged to learn and explore.

“There’s a plant unit in first grade, so we’ll start growing plants at the beginning of the year,” she said. “It brings the learning to life.”

Bolt said what made the surprise special was the person who nominated her – children she has taught over the years.

“This means more to me than anything,” she said. “It’s that someone thought I was inspirational. That’s my goal in this profession. I want to show these kids that they can be anything and achieve anything in life. When a parent recognizes me, it humblingly makes me want to do this job even better.”

The other two winners, Paul Johnson of Dutchman Creek Middle and Allison Jordan of Northwestern, are also beginning the school year in their brand new classrooms.

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