One Gloucester teacher will soon enjoy a free vacation, courtesy of the Virginia Lottery.

Kristin Steele, a third grade teacher who just finished her second year of instructing at Botetourt Elementary, was a winner in the Thank A Teacher Contest. 

She will choose between a four-day beach vacation, wine retreat, or mountain getaway at one of Virginia’s premier tourist destinations. Lottery staff estimates the value of the vacation package at $5,000.

Steele had no idea she had won the contest until the reveal event. “It was really unexpected and overwhelming … and also very exciting,” she said.

Steele was one of two teachers selected statewide, with their names drawn at random from nearly 6,500 entries. Beth Pratt, a second grade teacher at Atkins Elementary in Smyth County, was the other recipient.

Steele is undecided on what vacation she will choose. “I lived in Colorado for almost 20 years so exploring the mountains here sounds very appealing, ...