ORCHARD PARK, N.Y.—The Buffalo Bills and M&T Bank announced the “Touchdown for Teachers” program finalists and grand prize winner during the Bills vs. Dolphins game on Sunday, Nov. 29.
The five Touchdown for Teachers finalists are: Brian Martin, Washington West Elementary (Olean, N.Y.), Allan Mutrie, St. Rita School (Webster, N.Y.), Carrie Samuelson, Olean Middle School (Olean, N.Y.), Thomas Sarkovics, Starpoint Central School (Lockport, N.Y.) and Pamela Tellier, Nathaniel Rochester Community School #3 (Rochester, N.Y.)
The program honors teachers for their outstanding service to their schools and communities. There were over 100 applicants and honorees were chosen based on their amount of involvement in the school or community, the degree of positive impact on the school or community and their demonstrated commitment to education.
The finalists each received:
- Two tickets to the Bills home game on Nov. 29
- Official in-game recognition on-field during pre-game festivities on Nov. 29
- An official Buffalo Bills game ball
The “Touchdown for Teachers” grand prize winner is Brian Martin, Washington West Elementary (Olean, N.Y.) and he will receive an in-class visit from a Buffalo Bills team member as part of his grand prize.
“The Bills and M&T Bank Touchdown for Teachers is an amazing program because it gives the children such a special gift,” said Martin. “Many children will never have the opportunity to attend a Buffalo Bills game, so having a Bills player come to them will be truly magical. The players on the Buffalo Bills are a real inspiration to the children.”
“We are extremely pleased and excited that Mr. Martin has been chosen as the grand prize winner of the Touchdown for Teachers program,” said Joel Whitcher, Washington West Elementary principal. “Mr. Martin is an exceptional teacher and an even better person. He places his family, his country, and his classroom before himself. Brian is an excellent role model for our children. The Olean City School District and specifically Washington West Elementary School are blessed to have him as part of our staff.”
“Teachers play an important role in our community every day and this new program allowed M&T to team with the Bills to share the spotlight with outstanding teachers who deserve to be recognized for their effort. This was a good way for us to expand on M&T’s ongoing commitment to education in the communities we serve,” said Robert J. Moody, vice president of advertising and promotions for M&T Bank.
“The Touchdown for Teachers program is a great opportunity to nominate and recognize the outstanding individuals in our region that teach our children,” said Bruce Popko, Bills senior vice president of business development. “This unique and positive recognition program is something that the Bills and M&T Bank are proud to partner on, and we were pleased to receive over 100 Touchdown for Teachers applications.”
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