BELLE GLADE, Fla. — The energy was contagious at the annual Glades Teacher Appreciation Breakfast, where educators gathered to celebrate their dedication before welcoming students back to school Monday. "The Glades Teacher Appreciation Breakfast is one of the most exciting, fun events of the year." WATCH:Glades Teacher Appreciation Breakfast honors educators before first day of schoolThe celebration highlighted the commitment of local educators, including one remarkable teacher who received a standing ovation for her extraordinary milestone— Rita Schoenfeld, celebrating 51 years in the profession, 50 of those at Glades Day School. Schoenfeld's five decades at Glades Day School have created something truly special, as she's now teaching children whose parents, and sometimes grandparents, were once her students. "We want to let our families and our students know that we're ready for them on Monday," Wyatt said.