Teachers receive Walmart gift cards

By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    Teachers in southern Aroostook County received a much-needed boost for their classrooms this week thanks to Walmart.
    As part of the store’s “Teachers Rewards” program, 20 elementary school teachers from Houlton Elementary and Southside schools, Southern Aroostook Community, Katahdin Elementary and Mill Pond Elementary schools were chosen to receive a $50 gift card from Walmart to be used to purchase school supplies.
    “It is estimated that teachers spend up to $500 out of their own pockets for classroom supplies,” said Cara Maples, spokesperson for the Houlton Walmart. “The program donates up to $4.5 million to provide 90,000 teachers across the United States with reward cards that offset the cost of classroom supplies.”
    Maples said she decided the fairest way to distribute the funds was to select four teachers from each of the five schools in the community.
    “These funds come at a critical time when teachers are sometimes spending their own money to get the school year started off in the right direction,” Maples said. “This program is an extension of Walmart’s ongoing support of education initiatives that help students better prepare for their futures. I am so glad to be a part of the Teacher Rewards program and to be able to acknowledge these teachers for their dedication. Walmart is proud of all teachers who give their time and often their own money to help their students.”
    The following is a list of teachers selected to receive gift cards this year:
    Houlton Southside School — Pam Chernesky, grade four; Aimee Flewelling, grades four-six; Jenna Owen, grade five; and Jennifer Vega, grades five-six.
    Houlton Elementary School — Molly Cowan, computer; Sage Foley, kindergarten; Daphna Harris, kindergarten; and Becky Reed, grade two.
    Southern Aroostook Community School — Kermit McGary, music; Tera York, grade five; Kristen McAvoy; grade two; and Hilary Lawlor, kindergarten.
    Katahdin Elementary School — Debbie Coolong, grade three; Randy Cullins, grade six; Reba Heath, grade two; and Crystal Sirois, grade four.
    Mill Pond School — Patricia McCarthy, kindergarten; Amanda Varney, special education; Tina Burrill, grade 3; and Sarah Harbison, grade six.