Lorrie Selby Bennett has won several grants for her classroom in the field of early childhood literacy. She's also taken part in a three-day breast cancer event the past two years. But her proudest achievement is being a wife and mother.

LORRIE SELBY BENNETT

1986, Drama

Coconut Creek High

Q: What do you remember about the night you won your Silver Knight award?

A: A bunch of us from my school won. My best friend won, and I won. Also, I was going to the magnet program called Dillard Performing Arts at the time and all my friends were doing a couple of numbers for the award ceremony.

Q: What was your service project?

A: I was involved with Kids on the Block, a puppeteering company that used puppets to teach others about people with special needs. I gained confidence that the field of Exceptional Student Education was my calling.

Q: How do people react when they find out you're a Silver Knight winner?

A: Well, I'm over here in St. Pete, so they could care less. But back then, over there, it was a big deal.

Q: Tell us about your life now.

A: I'm a special education teacher. I find that way more fulfilling than acting. Acting seems self-serving. But I do get a chance to dance and sing with my students. It has much more meaning and purpose.

Q: What advice do you have for students who want to be Silver Knights?

A: Follow your heart and do something that has meaning to you. Don't do it to win the award. Do it because you want to give back to the community and that'll speak volumes.