When co-host Vanna White tested positive for COVID-19 before Wheel of Fortune shot their “Teachers Week” episodes in July, the hit game show called on a CSUDH alumna to fill in—2023 California Teacher of the Year Bridgette Donald-Blue.

“It was an amazing experience,” said Donald-Blue, who currently serves as a K-3 Math Intervention Teacher at Coliseum Street Elementary in downtown L.A. “It was such a complete departure from what I do in the classroom! I enjoyed the day. It was also a great opportunity to champion the cause of education and the work that teachers do every day.”

The episodes aired during the first week of October in order to coincide with World Teachers Day. Donald-Blue served as Vanna’s “substitute” for the entire week of five episodes.

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