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Marissa Allen, a kindergarten teacher at Palmetto Christian Academy, has been named the Mount Pleasant Christian Teacher of the Year for 2010.

Allen was chosen for her ability to let her faith show in her teaching, as well as her approach to students, and her overall character.

"To be a Christian teacher is to cultivate a Christian worldview in the minds, and in the hearts of students," Allen said.

"My goal is for my students, and myself, to know Jesus and love the Lord more than they did before!"

Victoria Lewis, whose son Trey is a student in Mrs. Allen's kindergarten class, had this to say about her son's teacher: "Her boldness in letting her light shine for God is rubbing off on her students," she said.

"Mrs. Allen is a godly, prayerful, woman of faith, and those qualities are being lived out every day in front of the children," Lewis said.

Allen received a plaque and monetary award of $200.

These recognitions were given to her in a surprise visit to her classroom on May 25 in front of her students.

The award, given by Mount Pleasant Teen Bible Study, a local Christian youth organization, was open to every teacher, public and private, in the Mount Pleasant Community.

This is the first time the award has been given.