Celebrate excellence in education: 18 finalists selected for Teachers Federal Credit Union’s 4th Annual Teacher Appreciation Week Contest

WHAT: Join us in honoring the dedication of educators! In celebration of nationally recognized Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6-10, Teachers Federal Credit Union is celebrating outstanding educators by way of its 4th Annual Teacher Appreciation Week Contest.

Teachers is excited to announce the 18 finalists in the running for classroom grants, who were selected out of more than 1,500 nominations nationwide. This week kicks off public voting for which finalists should win classroom grants. The nine educators who receive the most votes in their respective categories will be awarded classroom grants of $2,500, $1,500, or $1,000, for a total of $15,000. Winners will be announced on May 6 during Teacher Appreciation Week.

“As an organization with founding roots in education, Teachers deeply appreciates the impact educators have on future generations,” said Brad Calhoun, President, and CEO of Teachers Federal Credit Union. “Our Teacher Appreciation Week Contest, now in its fourth year, serves as a platform to honor educators nationwide for their remarkable academic contributions to their communities.”

WHEN:

• April 22, 2024 - Public voting for winners begins
• April 26, 2024 - Last day to vote
• May 6, 2024 - Winners are announced

 HOW:

• Public voting for the finalists will take place on the Teachers website  teachersfcu.org/teachercontest
• The winners will be announced on teachersfcu.org/teachercontest, Teachers social media, and via email to members and nominators

 WHO: 

• The educators selected as the eighteen finalists include:
  • Grades Pre-K - 5:
    • Kristen Akers, Lake Park Elementary School – Naples, FL
    • Melissa Demartino, Freedom Elementary School – Bradenton, FL
    • Leah Larson, Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School – Rocky Point, NY
    • Lisa Navarra, Twin Pines Elementary School – Brentwood, NY
    • Alicia Ferrer, North Coleman Road Elementary – Centereach, NY
    • Danielle Cristando, South Country Elementary – Bay Shore, NY
  • Grades 6 - 8:
    • Dr. J.P Brown, Abraham Lincoln Middle School – Gainesville, FL
    • Victoria Hernandez, William Floyd Middle School – Shirley, NY
    • Dawn Thompson, Baldwin Middle School – Baldwin, NY
    • Lisa Dooley, Bellport Middle School – Bellport, NY
    • Donna McGoldrick, Great Hollow Middle School – Smithtown, NY
    • Priscilla Olberding, West Middle School – West Islip, NY
  • Grades 9 - 12:
    • Lauren Sparks, Gaither High School – Tampa, FL
    • Dr. Sequoyah Wharton, Brentwood High School – Brentwood, NY
    • Michael Frazer, Valley Stream North High School – Franklin Square, NY
    • Rosemarie Scaglione, Valley Stream South High School – Valley Stream, NY
    • Allison Fox, Riverhead High School – Riverhead, NY
    • Daniel Concannon, Hauppauge High School – Hauppauge, NY