Two Southwest Florida teachers are among 11 educators honored by Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar’s annual Above and “BEE”yond Teacher Essay Contest. The teachers won $500 toward teaching supplies, and their students received an end–of–year party.
Special to SW FL Parent & Child
From left, Diplomat Middle School teacher Ben Uphoff and sixth-graders Colin Jackson, William McClain and Henry Uphoff.
The local winners are Ben Uphoff, of Diplomat Middle School in Cape Coral, and Suzanne Kyre, of Community Christian School.
The contest recognized top teachers from school districts throughout Florida and Georgia – as nominated by their students – by awarding them with a sponsorship check and end-of-year class party, courtesy of Applebee’s. The contest was held at Applebee’s restaurants in Florida and Georgia owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises.
Students nominated candidates by submitting essays in-person at their local Applebee’s explaining why their teacher goes above and “BEE”yond for their students. Contest submissions were reviewed by the local Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar team to select a winner from each district.
"Teachers dedicate a tremendous amount of time and resources to building a better community to live, work and play in, which extends beyond the classroom, and we wanted to honor their efforts while getting students involved in the process," Marc Prince, director of operations, Applebee’s of Florida and Georgia, said in a news release. "Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all of the teachers in our community for their hard work.”
Special to SW FL Parent & Child
Suzanne Kyre of Charlotte County
The 11 winning teachers
- Camden County: Jerry Snook, Matilda Harris Elementary
- Ware County: Ashley King, Waycross Middle School
- Okeechobee County: Beki Moore, Everglades Elementary
- St. Lucie County: Stephanie DeVries, Westgate K-8
- Lee County: Ben Uphoff, Diplomat Middle School
- Broward County: Lisa Head, Country Hills Elementary
- Sarasota County: Tara Sintov, Venice Middle School
- Charlotte County: Suzanne Kyre, Community Christian School
- Indian River County: Jill Osowski, Osceola Magnet School
- Palm Beach County: Jennifer Phillips, West Gate Elementary
- Miami/Dade County: Robin Bryant, Summerville Advantage Academy