Smith Middle School media specialist Sue Pickering was clueless Monday morning as colleagues, students and members of the Troy community gathered in the school’s office waiting to surprise Pickering with the district’s coveted Teacher of the Year award.

"She gives students ... so many opportunities and really spends a lot of time with students making sure they have what they need in the media centers," Troy Schools Superintendent Barbara Fowler said.

"She's really dedicated in her job, and you can tell that she really likes it," said Smith Middle School student Eric Cheng, who nominated Pickering for Middle School Teacher of the Year.

"She loves books, and I love books, so we get along well," said Smith Middle School student Kristen Hansen, who also nominated Pickering. "I think she's very great at what she does."

Pickering's husband, Michael, was also on-hand for the surprise, saying, "I'm happy for her, very happy for her. She's a hard worker."

The group literally sneaked up on Pickering as she was teaching a class in the media center. Superintendent Fowler led the caravan of supporters to a dark corner of the media center, where Pickering was in the middle of teaching a class using an overhead projector.

Visibly stunned by the surprise, she eventually laughed and said, "This is amusing."

After letting it sink in for a moment, an overwhelmed Pickering thanked her colleagues, students and support staff.

"It is such an honor, and I just feel that it is all of the students and the staff who truly inspire and motivate me to work hard. Thank you."

Even after receiving flowers and Edible Arrangements in addition to the prestigious Troy Teacher of the Year title, Pickering still had one more surprise in store for her from the Suburban Collection of Troy.

"As part of the reward, we'd like to offer you a one-year lease on the vehicle of your choice from our Troy location," said Daniel Boismier, spokesman for the Suburban Collection.

Pickering was nominated by several colleagues and students at Smith Middle School and was chosen as Troy Middle School Teacher of the Year and overall Troy Teacher of the Year. She will go on to compete for Oakland County Teacher of the Year in March.