Zach Ambrose, who teaches modern civilization and serves as volleyball coach at Saugus High School, was recently honored as a 2008 local Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year.

Manager Sheila Finerty of the Santa Clarita Valley West store surprised Ambrose with the award at Saugus' October faculty meeting. She praised him for his dedication and commitment and noted the impact he has on the community.

Ambrose received a certificate of appreciation, a $100 Wal-Mart gift card for classroom supplies and a $1,000 grant for Saugus High.

Ambrose is now eligible for the 2008 California Teacher of the Year competition. The state winner receives $ 10,000 for his or her school through Wal-Mart's Teacher of the Year Program. The program has honored more than 30,000 teachers across the country in the past 15 years.

Cindy Pharis from Valencia High School was the Hart District's most recent Wal-Mart State Teacher of the Year.