Top Teacher: Mrs. D put off retirement to teach Chase

Fox 9's first Top Teacher of the year is Mrs. Lucy DesLauriers, or "Mrs. D," a special needs teacher at Redtail Ridge Elementary School in Prior Lake, Minn.

She was nominated by Chris and Lisa Lykken, who say Mrs. D cares for all students as if they were her own. She put off retirement to teach their 6-year-old son Chase who nearly drowned in a Disney cruise ship pool two years ago after his mom turned around to grab something and he took off.

Despite warnings that he may never show signs of recovery, Chase has. He has started to move and he can return affection. His parents say Mrs. D is a big part of that, and that's why she was one of Fox 9's nine Top Teachers.

"Chase is one of the reasons I decided to stay another year, and then I decided to stay another year," she said. "I had been following him on the Caring Bridge site and I was excited to have him."

She is like that with every child in her care.

"She is superwoman in that room, incredible -- the patience and it's on consistent basis. I don't think she has a bad day," Chris Lykken said.

As a Top Teacher winner, Mrs. D will receive $900 from Royal Credit Union for classroom supplies to help all her special needs students as well as a Fox 9 Top Teacher Glass Apple for her desk.

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