The Phillie Phanatic was leading cheers in Brigantine on Thursday.
But it wasn’t for his favorite baseball team.
Instead, he led the school community as physical education teacher Mindy Pomatto was honored for her work.
Pomatto is one of the 10 Phillies All-Star Teachers chosen from hundreds in the Tri-State area for her work with students, and in the community.
The 22-year teacher thought she was presenting her Field Day plans Thursday.
Instead, she walked out of the school to chants of “Mrs. P, MVP.”
“You guys are my team,” the overwhelmed teacher told those gathered.
The Phanatic along with former Phillie Micky Morandini then arrived in a Brigantine police truck.
“This school is full of amazing teachers, but Mrs. P always finds a way to raise the bar,” said retired Brigantine Police Lt. Brian Feehan, who nominated her for the honor.
In addition to programs to help her students, Pomatto also does work for the community, especially honoring veterans.
Pomatto and the Phanatic then led the other teachers a in a brief exercise routine before heading into the truck for a victory lap.
“This means more to me than I could ever, ever say,” she said. “This is the best place on Earth right here. You guys are my family. I’m just so honored.”
Pomatto and 19 other teachers will be special guests at Monday night’s Phillies game against the Milwaukee Brewers as part of the 21st annual Teacher Appreciation Night powered by energy provider Constellation.
The honorees will include last year's Top 10, which includes Egg Harbor (City) Community School teacher Matthew Wira.
They also got to be part of a Zoom call with Phillies Manager Joe Gerardi.
