Ten metro Atlanta public school teachers are heading to the SEC Championship Game this weekend courtesy of SONIC, which recently surprised the group with tickets.
The teachers — recognized for their impact on students and their respective communities at-large — also learned from the fast-food chain that they would each be receiving a $1,000 gift card, which will help cover classroom needs like books, learning tools and more.
The selected educators include Jisela Martinez (Woodland Elementary), Kenneth Williams (Callaway Elementary), Shereda Jeffries (KIPP Soul Campus), Natalie McPherson (Cartersville Elementary), Stephanie Minor (Salem Middle), Arria Stinson (Knight Elementary), Suhir Bruce (Austin Road Elementary), Ashley Dent (Benefield Elementary), Trenise Neely-Brown (Craig Elementary) and LaKeisha Sims (McGarrah Elementary).
“At SONIC, we believe in celebrating the people who make a real difference in their communities, and teachers are at the heart of that impact,” said Stuart Brown, executive director of the SONIC Foundation, the restaurant’s charitable entity that provides support to public education.
“We’re thrilled to give these deserving educators a memorable game-day experience and provide additional funding to support their classrooms. Their passion, dedication and daily commitment to students truly embody the spirit of the Atlanta community.”
Prior to the game, the recipients will attend SONIC’s SEC Championship Tailgate activation at the Georgia World Congress Center, where they will take part in a ceremonial check presentation of their combined $10,000 in gift cards.
SONIC’s tailgate space will be open to the public during SEC Football Fanfare on Friday, Dec. 5 from 1–7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m., and will feature food samples, a giant “Slush Slide” and an interactive pong ball toss game with prizes to be won.