TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
Local State Farm agents Derrick McGary and Kelli Ashbrook Cummings, pictured with Teacher of the Year recipients, along with Susan Robbins and Charles Pankey, stand in front of the Toyota RAV4s awarded to each honoree. T eachers shape minds. They mold hearts. They guide generations. Yet, way too often, their work and sacrifices go unseen and unrecognized. Many sadly withhold their loudest applause and highest compensation for celebrities and athletes. It seems easy to forget those true unsung heroes who work tirelessly every day behind classroom doors. But not in Texarkana.
For Katie Diaz, TISD Teacher of the Year, the gesture has had a deeply personal impact. “Being given the use of a car for a year has been such a blessing,” she said. “As a teacher, it meant so much to be recognized in that way, but on a personal level, it’s been even more impactful. I’ve been living with cancer for the past 12 years and travel to the cancer center in Dallas regularly. Knowing I have a safe, reliable car to get me there and back has taken such a burden off my shoulders. Robbins Toyota’s generosity has meant more to me than they probably realize…not just as a teacher, but as someone who has been walking a very long road. I’m truly grateful!” LEISD’s honoree, LaBrandon McDaniel, is using his vehicle to give back in a different way. “It’s a blessing! I’m honored to represent the Liberty-Eylau School District and the community,” he says. “I love saving money and because of Robbins Toyota and State Farm, I am able to put more money into my family and less wear and tear on my own car. I plan on putting the car on the road to watch former athletes in college play and taking the family on road trips.” Gaby Valle, also of TISD, finds joy in the reactions she gets behind the wheel. “I am enjoying driving the car so much! It’s been fun seeing people react to it. My favorite part is when students that know me see the car and they start waving! It is truly an incredible opportunity to represent not just my district but also all the teachers that have a passion for being in the classroom. I am so grateful to the sponsors for providing this opportunity. “
Each year, Robbins Toyota–one of the oldest car dealerships in Texas–honors local Teachers of the Year from participating school districts by handing them the keys to a new Toyota RAV4. These vehicles, fully insured and maintained, come with a tank of gas and a car wash every month for an entire year. It is a program that not only surprises but uplifts those who have given so much of themselves to Texarkana’s students. “Teachers frequently don’t receive the recognition and appreciation they deserve for the dedication and vital role they play in shaping our students’ futures,” says Susan Robbins, owner and operator of Robbins Toyota. “By giving the Teacher of the Year a car, it’s our way of giving back and drawing attention to some of the most amazing teachers in our community.” Districts participating in the program include Texarkana ISD (TISD), Liberty-Eylau ISD (LEISD) and Texarkana Arkansas School District (TASD). Each Teacher of the Year is presented with their RAV4 during a joyful and often emotional ceremony, complete with applause and sometimes tears.
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COMMUNITY & CULTURE
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