Winners announced for Wonderful Halos’ back-to-school national contest to support teachers
Winners announced for Wonderful Halos’ back-to-school national contest to support teachers
This back-to-school season, Wonderful Halos celebrated the everyday heroes who make a lasting impact on students’ lives through a nationwide contest to help fund classrooms and support educators. According to the National Education Association, over 90 percent of teachers spend their own money on school supplies every year. With inflation driving school supply prices up nearly 24 percent, Wonderful Halos wanted to ease the financial burden of the new school year for some of the everyday heroes who make a difference in students’ lives.
After a tremendous response and hundreds of nominations from coast to coast sharing heroic stories of how teachers are making a difference in students’ lives every day, Mrs. Bradshaw from Mulcahey Elementary School in Taunton, MA was named Wonderful Halos’ Sweetest Teacher. From housing insecurity to generational trauma, custody battles and substance abuse, Mrs. Bradshaw understands the complex realities many of her students face and how these challenges show up in the classroom.
Five incredible honorees, who received a $1,500 Amazon eGift card, were recognized as the second-prize winners for their sweet contributions to their schools:
- Mrs. Hornberger of Middleburg Elementary School in Middleburg, PA, creates a welcoming, inclusive classroom, even keeping a Halloween costume bin on hand to ensure no child ever feels left out.
- Chef Anthony of Indian Trails Middle School in Winter Springs, FL, leads the school’s culinary program, where students gain confidence, explore creativity, and develop a love for healthy eating.
- Mrs. Miller of Carroll High School in Southlake, TX, is a compassionate listener who works tirelessly to prepare her students for success in higher education – while remaining their mentor long after they graduate.
- Mrs. Reily of Swiftwater Elementary School in Swiftwater, PA, brings more than ten years of special education experience, celebrating each student’s victories, big or small, and offering a classroom where every child feels safe, understood, and valued.
- Mrs. Suehiro of Jefferson Elementary School in Fresno, CA, has inspired thousands of students in a low-income community to dream big and grow into accomplished adults.
