Governor Pence visits Haverhill Elementary, awards Jean Russell (Dean Jackson/WOWO Photo)

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): A bold statement from Governor Mike Pence was made in Fort Wayne Wednesday. 

He doesn't just like 2016 Indiana Teacher of the Year Jean Russell's chances to win the national award. “I predict she will win,” he told students, staff and administrators Wednesday at Haverhill Elementary. 

The visit was a chance for the governor to read to students and present Russell with the state's highest honor: the Sagamore of the Wabash. Russell joins award winners that include politicians, astronauts and other leaders. 

Pence told students that teachers have a long lasting influence. He still recalls elementary school teachers he had as child.