Students at Thurgood Marshall Academy filed into their gym Monday afternoon thinking they were in for a pep talk about getting college applications done on time. Instead they watched one of their favorite teachers become the best in the nation's capital.

Ramon Griffin was named Washington, D.C.'s 2027 Teacher of the Year at the public charter school in Southeast D.C. The ceremony turned into a celebration of his seven years at the school and his 13 years in the classroom.

Griffin likes to tell his students that you plant a seed, keep watering it and the harvest feeds the generations that follow.

Results in the classroom

His course load includes math, a handful of electives and AP African American Studies. The first year he led that AP course, 87.5% of his students passed the national exam. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who presented the award, also pointed to the big gains his students have made in math.

Bowser told the crowd that as a seventh grader Griffin already saw school as his way up. Now he is opening that road for others.

The honor includes $7,500 for professional development and a shot at competing for the national title on behalf of the District.

A mentor who checks in

Griffin also helped launch the school's mentoring program for young men. Senior Omar Djibo remembered a recent group trip to Atlanta when he showed up in the hotel lobby a minute late. Griffin used it as a lesson about always being early.

To Djibo, moments like that prove Griffin cares and truly wants him to succeed.

Senior Lindsey has his own story. Years ago he barely spoke in class and felt embarrassed about his grades. Griffin sensed something was weighing on him. Lindsey asked for help and Griffin kept checking on him every year, both in school and in life. Today Lindsey is a confident leader on track for a 3.6 GPA and is getting ready to graduate.

Lindsey credits Griffin's guidance for the young man he has become and everything he has accomplished so far.

Teaching the whole child

Griffin says failing the class is not an option and neither is failing as a person. He tells students they will learn to be prepared, think critically, persevere and above all be confident. He believes the key is knowing each child as a whole person so he can help them grow in school and in life.

After accepting the award, Griffin told the students packed into the gym that he loves them. They had heard him say it many times before.