Joyce Abbott poses for a photo during a ceremony in her honor held at Overbrook High School, Sept. 26, 2023, in Philadelphia.was honored by the School District of Philadelphia Tuesday, which also officially declared Sept. 26 "Joyce Abbott Day."
Abbott, who retired last year after 27 years of teaching, was celebrated during a ceremony held at her alma mater, Overbrook High School. "When I went into this work, I did this work not for the recognition but to truly make a difference in the life of a child," Abbott told ABC News station WPVI in Philadelphia.MORE: Teacher who inspired 'Abbott Elementary' continues to inspire
During the presentation, Mallory Fix-Lopez, the vice president of Philadelphia's Board of Education, emphasized Abbott's influence on the students she taught throughout her career.Joyce Abbott poses for a photo during a ceremony in her honor held at Overbrook High School, Sept. 26, 2023, in Philadelphia.