Honors and AP biology teacher Margaret O'Hara had no idea she would receive the Distinguished Teacher Award at Chatham High School's graduation Tuesday. But her students knew she deserved it.

"She's brilliant," said Valerie Slaughter after the ceremony. Slaughter had O'Hara as a teacher. "She's really smart. She could answer any question."

O'Hara came up to the stage during graduation to accept her award after co-Principal Michael LaSusa called her name.

She called it "one of the most wonderful feelings."

"I'm thrilled and I'm honored," she said.

Graduates also said they have a unique bond with O'Hara. Slaughter said she "could spend hours gossiping with her," while others said they enjoy her company.

"People learn (in her class)," said Olga Kushnir, who also had O'Hara as a teacher. "And they have fun."