Walmart Surprises Stevenson Teacher Of The Year With Gifts

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(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

R. L. Stevenson Elementary School’s Sara Line, the Burbank Unified Teacher of the Year, was surprised with gifts from Walmart at a school assembly on Monday morning, October 3.

“Burbank Walmart Store Manager Panthi Patel and associates Rosy Lopez and Mayra Hinojos  presented Line with flowers, balloons, a collection of classroom essentials and a Walmart gift card for $490.

(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)
Pictured from L/R School Board President Larry Applebaum, Director of Second Education Peter Knapik, Superintendent Matt Hill, Sara Lane, Burbank Walmart Manager Panthi Patel, Store Associates Rosy Lopez and Mayra Hinojos.  (Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

Burbank Unified School Board President Larry Applebaum, Superintendent Matt Hill, Director of Human Resources Anita Schackmann and Director of Elementary Education Dr. Peter Knapik all attended the event.

“We are so appreciative of Walmart and their recognition of our teacher Sara Line,” commented Stevenson Principal Christina Desiderio. “Being honored today on California Art Day was perfect! Mrs. Line has a strong arts background and is an expert in integrating art into the curriculum.”

(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)
When Sara Line’s name was called during the assembly she was shocked. (Photo by © Ross A. Benson)

“She believes that all students can succeed with hard work and dedication. The students and parents absolutely adore her. The staff and I are very proud of her accomplishments.”

The Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year finalist teaches fourth grade.

Ms. Line is an 11-year teaching veteran who was recognized by the county for encouraging her students to take risks and using their mistakes as opportunities to grow, according to a Walmart news release. She was one of 16 teachers throughout the county and 75 across the state to be so recognized.

The National Retail Federation estimates teachers will spend an average of $490 of their own money this year on classroom-related expenses.

(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)
(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)
(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)
(Photo by © Ross A. Benson)