Teachers Rewarded For Their Hard Work

Ten teachers at received gift cards from Sam's Club and Wal-Mart Thursday morning for donating their time and money to their students' education.

Three years ago, Wal-Mart and established the Teachers Rewards program, which donates $100 gift cards to kindergarten through eighth grade school teachers who “dedicate their time and money” to their profession.

On Thursday morning, the teachers at received a free breakfast and 10 gift cards were given out after a random drawing.

"We appreciate all the efforts you put toward the community," said Sam's Club Membership Assistant Manager Dave Rosenthal.

The following teachers received gift cards:

• Michael Gilbert
• Andrea Hillman
• Elsika Bayley
• Rosa Robbins
• Diane Sousa
• Donna Waite
• Elaine Malespini
• Karen Rissinger
• Cathrynn King
• Alison Edman

"Teachers have to be everyone to everybody," said Superintendent of Schools Jeffrey A. Villar. "People don't always recognize that."

was chosen because they have had to deal with the addition of students from Dr. Oran A. Moser Elementary School after the building was closed this summer, Villar said. Some teachers are also teaching inside portables, Villar added. 

"It is a tough job. It's also the best job in the world."

Villar said teachers are "unsung heroes" and were appreciative of the free breakfast provided by Wal-Mart and Sam's Club.

"Teachers are what make schools," Assistant Superintendent for
Curriculum and Instruction Marian I. Hourigan told the teachers. "You are making sure you reach every child."

The money will be used to help buy “much-needed classroom supplies” for their students. The money can be used to purchase the following items:

• Paper
• Folders
• Binders
• Clipboards
• Pens
• Pencils
• Crayons
• Markers