Scott Pfaff, a five-year physics teacher at Gulfport High School, has received a $25,000 check from the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Awards.

The award was announced Wednesday during a surprise visit to the school.

The Milken Family Foundation Award was first presented in 1987 and is designed to provide public recognition and a financial reward to teachers, principals and other educators who have a proven record of excellence in education.

Pfaff was chosen by the Mississippi Department of Education.

In addition to the financial award, WLOX-TV in Biloxi reports that Pfaff gets a free trip to Los Angeles for the annual Milken Family Foundation National Education Forum in the Spring of 2010. He will also be honored by the Mississippi Board of Education at a future board meeting.