June 30, 2026 — While school is out for the summer, two Cobb teachers recently spent time soaking up the sun in Florida after being selected for a free vacation.

Q99.7 Atlanta and Visit Florida hosted the annual Trips for Teachers, giving eight educators from the metro Atlanta area a free week at Universal Terra Luna Resort.

Cheryl Dean from Kennesaw Elementary School and Amanda Ratigan from Teasley Elementary School were among the educators selected to participate. 

"As educators, we don’t do this work for the applause, so being recognized in such a grand way is incredibly humbling. I am profoundly grateful for the honor and cannot wait to bring this renewed, joyful energy straight back to my classroom this coming school year," said Dean. 

Both Dean and Ratigan spent time getting to know fellow educators across metro Atlanta while enjoying the much-deserved VIP treatment on their trip to Florida. 

"Throughout the trip, everyone went out of their way to celebrate teachers and genuinely wanted to hear our stories. Getting to meet teachers from across the state who are incredible leaders and role models, and hearing their passion for education, was truly inspiring," said Ratigan.

After a week at Universal Studios and the surrounding area, both Cobb educators are back home and looking forward to the new school year.