'I'm blown away': Bay View teacher wins $100K grant for industrial technology program

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Outstanding teachers can bring outstanding outcomes.

One foundation is honoring some of those who make a difference by giving them a way to grow classrooms.

Mike Driscoll has been an industrial technology teacher at Bay View High School for six years, using a hands-on approach to help his students apply technology to the real world.

A much-needed prize will now keep Mr. Driscoll's toolbox filled for the future.

He is one of 25 winners of the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence, and one of five teachers in the country to receive the grand prize of $100,000 for his school.

"Honestly, I'm blown away," Driscoll said, after a surprise check presentation at Bay View High School on Tuesday.

This year was the first time Driscoll has ever applied for the grant, with his written letter and video reviewed by three rounds of judges.

"He's tireless in his pursuit of trying innovative things to make sure he's helping his kids succeed," said Bob Kilmer, the education advisor for Harbor Freight Tools for Schools.

"I just know that I put my heart and soul into the application," Driscoll said.

He wants to use the money to add a staff member to his program.

"This is going to allow us to hopefully get somebody into the school to help manage that space, and work with smaller groups of students on hands-on projects," he explained.

The prize awards passion, and through his work, Driscoll proves that passion is practical.

"Most of my kids come into my classroom having never held a drill," he said. ""The kids are capable of incredible things, and I just really want people to notice that and see that."

More than 1,000 teachers across the U.S. applied for this year's prize. Five of the top 25 were from Wisconsin.

Along with checks to upgrade their resources, the teachers were gifted new full-bank service carts for their tools.