Terry Dougherty Tours White House For Christmas

Elementary School Third Grade Teacher Terry Dougherty toured the White House last week as part of her prize for winning the

"We had a great time. One of the First Lady's aides toured us through," Dougherty said via email on Thursday, Dec. 29. "This time of the year, you're actually allowed to take pictures inside the White House so I have a lot for the children to see. Throughout the tour I was sending pictures to my colleagues who in turn were showing them to my class. I wanted everyone to be a part of it."

Dougherty won the trip, along with a $10,000 grant, by outlasting nine other teachers in a nationwide contest sponsored by GOOD Magazine and the University of Phoenix earlier this year. Dougherty works with children of those who serve in the military, helping them get adjusted to life once they move into the township.

As part of a military family, Dougherty understands how difficult it is for children to constantly move.

She brought her husband, Tom Dougherty Sr., her son Tom Dougherty Jr., her daughter Laura, and Laura's fiancee, Ryan Barron, with her on the tour.

According to Dougherty, First Lady Michelle Obama was in Hawaii at the time of Dougherty's visit, while President Barack Obama left for a trip the same day Dougherty arrived in Washington, D.C.

Lt. Commander Rodney Lewis met the group for the tour.

I also met with Brad Cooper who is the First Lady's Executive Director for Joining Forces," Dougherty said. "The whole theme this year for the White House was honoring our military and their families so I'm sure that's why I received the invitation.

"It was incredible experience. The fact that I could send pictures and messages to my students through the whole tour was great. I also was thankful that my own children could be there. As military children, now adults, they never had the opportunity to really feel appreciated for their sacrifices. This was a gift for them too."

Dougherty added that she has been asked to write an article for the White House/Joining Forces website discussing her program. She will also be the keynote speaker at the Martin Luther King Day celebration on Jan. 16.

"That alone is such an honor and will continue to give our military children a voice," Dougherty said.