WORCESTER, Mass. – The Worcester Railers visited the Thorndyke Road School in Worcester Thursday to present a teacher appreciation award to first grade teacher Mary Birkbeck.

"It feels awesome, feels great,” Birkbeck said. “I'm surprised, but I love my city and I'm proud to receive this award.

Railers staff were accompanied by Trax, the team’s mascot, who met with students. Community relations manager Peter Foley said the team wanted to do something special for someone making a difference. 

"It's always important to support the community, especially with the Railers,” Foley said. “We always want to be out and about and just getting into different areas, things you wouldn't expect. Today is just being able to get out and show a teacher, some people that usually go underappreciated in the community, it's just a special thing for us to be able to show them that we do care."

To further show their appreciation, the Railers are inviting three local teachers to drop the puck before their game Friday at the DCU Center. Worcester is hosting the Adirondack Thunder at 7:05 p.m.