Leading car wash brand recognizes over 4,000 teachers nationwide to celebrate educators making a difference in students’ lives
TUCSON, Ariz.-- With the holiday season right around the corner and feelings of gratitude in the air, Mister Car Wash, Inc. (NYSE: MCW) is proud to announce the winners of its fifth annual “Teachers Who Shine” program, an initiative focused on recognizing teachers that have gone above and beyond for their students.
This year, Mister Car Wash received over 4,000 nominations for its 2021 Teachers Who Shine program, each detailing the heroism and selflessness continuing to take place in classrooms nationwide. For those who were nominated, each received a complimentary Platinum Express car wash. For the top 25 nominees, each individual received a grant of $500 for their classroom and a one-year Unlimited Wash Club® membership. In total, Mister is giving back more than $90K to teachers across the country through direct to classroom grants and in-kind donations.
Each of the nominees this year have shown a proven track record of the difference they have made in students’ lives. Examples include:
- Andria Pettera, English Teacher at Flowing Wells High School, Tucson, AZ: Serving as the head of the school’s “Dream It, Be It” program, Ms. Pettera works with the young women in her school, offering career and college preparation, mentorship and general guidance toward becoming self-sufficient individuals for the future. Between her advocacy work and being regarded as a second mother to all at Flowing Wells, Ms. Pettera has impacted the lives of countless students throughout her career and is a key embodiment of the Teachers Who Shine program.
- Jecil Smith, Kindergarten Teacher at KIPP Austin Connections Elementary, Austin, TX: Mrs. Smith received multiple submissions for the Teachers Who Shine Award, and each one mentioned her amazing warmth, positive spirit, patience, and love for her students. Mrs. Smith makes learning fun and exciting for her kindergarteners and shows up in every way possible to help her students succeed. Parents praise the support she provides to make them an integral part of their child’s learning, and colleagues marvel at her selflessness. There’s no doubt KIPP is a better school because of her presence.
- Pedro Gonzalez, Spanish Teacher at Samuel Ogle Middle School, Bowie, MD: Since joining the Samuel Ogle family 14 years ago, Mr. Gonzalez’s dedication for his students is best seen through running the school’s Fantasy Football and Television Production Clubs to explore new interests, along with hosting an annual spring break trip to Latin America for his students to practice speaking Spanish in the real world. Mr. Gonzalez’s efforts creating an engaging, committed, and overall educational setting for his students continues to be the talk of the school, and represents the difference he is making in students’ lives each day.
- Tara Watkins, Computer Technologist at Horace Mann Elementary, Springfield, MO: Mrs. Watkins is a teacher who always going above and beyond what is asked of her. She has written several grants on behalf of Horace Mann, and always makes it a priority to help the children in need and make them feel special. Whether it’s making sure students have something to eat at school, packing snack bags for students to take home so they’re not hungry at dinner time, or raising funds to ensure sure a little girl in need got the bicycle she asked Santa for, Mrs. Watkins always delivers. She is known as someone you can always turn to for support and has created a positive school culture for students and staff - all indicative of a standout educator for children.
“Being an educator is one of the most selfless professions an individual can pursue, and from the stories I’ve read this year alone, it’s more important than ever to reward and recognize these heroes,” said Jill Adams, VP of Marketing, Mister Car Wash. “Each of the nominees in this year’s Teachers Who Shine program continue to make a profound impact on others, and I cannot thank these nominees, and teachers in general, for all they do to shape future generations to come.”
Mister Car Wash continues to support the communities it serves nationwide through fundraisers, in-kind donations, sponsorships and scholarships.