VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Four Virginians who got their start in the state’s public schools are being recognized for their career achievements and community passion, including a teacher at Green Run High School. 

The four were chosen from each region of the state to receive the Virginia Lottery’s first “Made in Virginia” awards out of hundreds of nominees. 

Health and Physical Education Teacher Bridgette Berthold will be of the four receipients featured in Virginia Lottery commercials that will air statewide for the next several weeks, according to the Virginia Lottery. 

The four winners each chose a public school of their choice to receive a $9,000 prize. Naturally, Berthold chose Green Run High School. 

Green Run received an additional $5,000 from the Virginia Lottery, as well as $4,000 worth of school supplies from The Supply Room, according to the Virginia Lottery. 

“The winners of the ‘Made in Virginia’ award exemplify not only the inspiring graduates we have here in the Commonwealth, but also demonstrate the instrumental role our K-12 public schools play in a student’s ultimate life success,” said Virginia Lottery Executive Director Kevin Hall in a press release. 

The other winners were Rachel Bray who is the founder of Rooted Communities non-profit organization in Roanoke, Timmy Nyguyen who is a government employee and the founder of the Ulitmate Backpack Challenge in Richmond and George Preston who is the co-owner and lead engineer of SAI Engineering in Prince William County. 

The three other winners chose Lucy Addison Middle School in Roanoke, Skipwith Elementary School in Henrico County and Woodbridge Senior High School in Prince William County to receive the other prizes.

This new campaign by the Virginia Lottery launched last September when they put out a call for individuals to nominate public-school educated Virginians who have found success in their career, overcome adversity or demonstrated a passion for service to their community.