Celebrate excellence in education: 18 finalists selected for Teachers Federal Credit Union’s 5th annual Teacher Appreciation Week Contest

WHAT:

Public voting is now open to help determine the winners of Teachers Federal Credit Union’s 5th Annual Teacher Appreciation Week Contest, which honors educators who go above and beyond in their classrooms and communities.

Teachers Federal Credit Union is excited to announce the eighteen finalists in the running for classroom grants, selected from a competitive pool of nominations submitted nationwide. Nine educators who receive the most votes in their respective categories will be awarded classroom grants of $2,500, $1,500, or $1,000 — totaling $15,000 in support for classrooms across the country. The contest is part of the credit union’s celebration of National Teacher Appreciation Week, taking place May 5–9. Winners will be announced on May 6, 2025.

“Recognizing the impact and dedication of educators aligns closely with the mission and history of Teachers Federal Credit Union,” said Brad Calhoun, President and CEO of Teachers Federal Credit Union. “Our Teacher Appreciation Week Contest, now in its fifth year, continues to shine a spotlight on educators nationwide and their remarkable contributions to students and communities.”

WHEN:

• April 21, 2025 – Public voting for winners begins
• April 25, 2025 – Last day to vote
• May 6, 2025 – Grant recipients 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:
    • Candace Gargagliano, Carrollwood K-8 – Tampa, FL
    • Edward Tholl, Riley Avenue School – Calverton, NY
    • Jeffrey Faragasso, Mt. Pleasant Elementary – Smithtown, NY
    • Mary Dromerhauser, Brook Avenue School – Bayshore, NY
    • Ryan Cavanagh, Cherokee Street Elementary School – Ronkonkoma, NY
    • Samantha Ansotigue, Schwarzkopf Elementary School – Lutz, FL
  • Grades 6–8:
    • Diane Clements, Grace Christian Academy – Merrick, NY
    • John Heeg, Robert Frost Middle School – Deer Park, NY
    • Maria Cassano Trucios, Elwood Middle School – East Northport, NY
    • Matt Swanson, Berner Middle School – Massapequa, NY
    • Natasha Yarborough, Bayshore Middle School – Bay Shore, NY
    • Ryan Boots, Progress Villa Middle Magnet School of the Arts – Tampa, FL
  • Grades 9–12:
    • Briana Cammarata, High School of the Arts and Business – Corona, NY
    • Riley Waugh, Jefferson High School – Tampa, FL
    • Fred Feraco, Walt Whitman High School – Huntington, NY
    • Joseph Morizzo, Plainview Old Bethpage JFK HS – Plainview, NY
    • Kimberly Newman, Scholars Academy – Rockaway Park, NY
    • Peter Greene, Mamaroneck HS – Mamaroneck, NY

LINK TO CONTEST:   teachersfcu.org/teachercontest