St. Margaret’s Teacher Wins Big on “Millionaire”

Contact: Renee Russell
Phone: 804-443-3357
Fax: 804-443-6781
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 Tappahannock (January 11, 2007)

Faith Martin, who teaches in the math department at St. Margaret’s School, walked away with $16,000 in winnings on Monday’s episode of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.” In addition to teaching algebra and geometry, Martin coaches the school’s tennis team and hosts the annual “Developing Character” program offered through the Disney Youth Education Series.

“Being on the show was such a fun experience,” said Martin of both her audition in Pittsburgh last August, and her appearance on the show. “Meredith Viera [the show’s host] was very personable and truly wanted us to do well.” Viera commented that St. Margaret’s should be very proud of the poise shown by Martin, she recalls.

“Once called into the hot seat, I was eerily calm,” Martin continued. “After 5 hours in the green room I was so ready to start the show.” She started in the hot seat in the episode that aired on Friday, December 22, where she made it up to the $2,000 question, which was ironically related to math. She continued as a holdover contestant on Monday, January 8, 2007, where she started by looking at the $4,000 question with two remaining lifelines.

 






Faith martin in the hot seat. Faith Martin, who teaches in the math department,
in the Hot Seat of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.”
After a series of correct answers, Martin used her “Phone-A-Friend” lifeline to call St. Margaret’s history teacher, George McDowell, on the $16,000 question: “Henry Kissinger served as secretary of state under what two presidents? A) Kennedy & Johnson, B) Nixon & Ford, C) Johnson & Nixon, D) Ford & Carter.” McDowell confidently and correctly answered “B” with time to spare. After providing this correct answer, Martin decided to walk away with her winnings.

The school held a special viewing of the show on Tuesday. “I appreciate all of the support I received from my colleagues, students and friends at St. Margaret’s,” Martin said. “The community was behind me the whole way and I will always remember that.”