LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Jefferson County Public Schools' elementary school was among a select few schools in the country to win a prize that isn't for its students.

Teachers at Luhr Elementary School were surprised with an upgraded teachers lounge Tuesday.

The school was awarded a $5,000 makeover from Crayola and Walmart after taking part in the annual Crayola Creativity Week program in January, according to a news release. 

Luhr was one of 24 schools in the country to win the Creative Teachers Sweepstakes. The prize included $3,000 in Walmart gift cards from Crayola to purchase furniture and décor for the makeover. 

Walmart also kicked in another $1,000 in gift cards so teachers can purchase additional items for the lounge. Crayola also provided the school with $1,000 worth of Crayola art supplies.

Volunteers from Crayola and the Outer Loop Walmart Supercenter in Louisville brought the teachers lounge to life with furnishings that included new cabinets, organizers, small appliances, furniture and seating.

First grade teacher Lisa Mattingly said she was grateful for the makeover because educators have a tough job. "Teaching is hard," she said. "And if you're in it, it's your calling." 

Luhr Elementary Principal Sarah Williams said the award is well-deserved.

"Our teachers work very hard," Williams said. "They only get a 20-minute lunch."

Williams said the school "collaborated with Walmart and Crayola to design a relaxing and functional space for our teachers to use throughout the school day." 

Joel Millner, the manager at the Walmart Supercenter on Outer Loop, said it was a privilege to transform the lounge. 

"We were very excited to come and contribute today. We built some shelving and built some chairs," Millner said. "Anything we can do to help the people that are helping our children is something that we're absolutely honored to do."

Mattingly said "it's those little things" that make a difference "because we don't get to do those upgrades."

This is the second year Walmart has partnered with Crayola for the Creative Teachers Sweepstakes to show support for local schools and teachers.

The program has donated a total of more than $120,000 to the winning schools. Schools were randomly selected from eligible entries as part of Crayola Creativity Week.

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