Teachers are notoriously overworked and underpaid. It’s not uncommon for them to use money from their already slim paychecks to buy supplies for their classrooms, like decorations, notebooks, pens, prizes, and more.
While they certainly don’t have to do this, many teachers go into the profession because they love what they do and they want to make a difference in the lives of their students.
For Jessica Nunemaker, she was ready to make this year a special one for her students. She’d been battling cancer and was facing chemotherapy on top of the demands of teaching.
Naturally, Nunemaker, who teaches at Manatee Elementary School in Bradenton, Florida, was feeling pretty stretched thin and her colleagues wanted to do something special for her.
They nominated her to win $1,000 of school supplies through RNR Tire Express and she won!
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Nunemaker had no idea she was nominated for the drawing and her school surprised her with the supplies as a back-to-school gift.
“We believe that teachers are the backbone of our youth and we are honored to honor you today, so congratulations, you’re our big winner,” said Will Jackson of RNR Tire Express according to ABC Action News.
According to ABC, RNR Tire Express received hundreds of nominations but they chose Nunemaker, whose story touched them the most.
As part of the prize, she received $1,000 in supplies for school, such as notebooks, pens, snacks, and more.
Nunemaker is going through chemo currently and will have to have a double mastectomy followed by radiation.
Lourdes Gonzalez, the school’s principal, explained that Nunemaker was an inspiration to students and staff alike. She said, “Jessica has been committed and dedicated to Manatee Elementary and despite everything that she is going through, her own personal battle with cancer, she has not missed a day.”
It’s nice to see a teacher getting the recognition she deserves.
Watch the interview below: