WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – A teacher had a special surprise from a WECT anchor on Friday.

Audrey Stanley recently announced that she is retiring after 44 years as an educator in New Hanover County Schools.

“Audrey Stanley, I am honored to say, has watched me during my entire Television career here at WECT. She’s a devoted, loyal viewer, but I didn’t know this until we recently–we went to Alderman Elementary together as children so there’s a reason for the bond,” WECT’s Frances Weller said.

Some of her fellow teachers at Rachel Freeman Elementary reached out to WECT that Friday would be her last day and if Frances Weller could surprise her.

Four decades is a long time for any career, but certainly for a teacher.

“You’ve been here, a teacher for a very long time. How in the world did you do 44 years?” Weller asked

“With Jesus and Sundrop and Sweet Tea,” Stanley said.

Stanley is already planning to volunteer at Rachel Freeman next year, but she says she’s looking forward to not having to get up at 5:30 in the morning.

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