California teacher Melissa Rojas is one of 20 educators nationwide who has earned a 2020 Staples “Thank a Teacher Award.” (Photo Credit: Fontana Herald News)

Congratulations go to Melissa Rojas, an English teacher at Fontana High School in Fontana, California. She is one of 20 educators that have been named a recipient of a 2020 Staples “Thank a Teacher” Award.

Melissa was singled out for the recognition because of her outstanding work with graduating seniors in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. She wanted to do something special for her students, who lost out on the two most memorable experiences of the their senior year: Prom and commencement. “Senior year is a crucial time for students,” Melissa asserted. “It broke my heart that my seniors couldn’t attend prom. I wanted to do what i could to let them know they are amazing kids who deserve to have great memories of their senior year,” she continued.

For their prom, Melissa contacted a local candy maker who prepared gifts of chocolate-dipped strawberries, some created to resemble a prom dress and others created to imitate a tuxedo. Then she spent the day with members of her family delivering the treats to the homes of her students. For their commencement, Melissa delivered gift bags containing personalized water bottles and inscribed with inspirational messages.

As part of the recognition from the Staples “Thank a Teacher” Program, Melissa will receive $5,000 to spend on supplies for her classroom. The office supplies store is happy to provide the cash awards to the recipients. “Staples knows that teachers will need our support more than ever — whether they’re teaching in the classroom, remotely or a combination of both,” remarked Mike Motz, Chief Executive Officer of Staples US Retail.

For more information about this Chalkboard Champion, see this link at the Daily Bulletin.