Hillsborough Teacher Awarded For Going Above And 'BEE'yond

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — A Hillsborough teacher was among four winners of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar's 5th annual Above and "BEE"yond Teacher Essay Contest recognizing their work and dedication.

John McAvaddy of Auten Road Intermediate School was awarded a $500 sponsorship check to use toward his classroom for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year by the Applebee’s of Hillsborough.

The teachers were also rewarded with their choice of an end-of-year party at Applebee’s or an in-classroom celebration for their current class or complimentary two Dinner for Four certificates, courtesy of Applebee’s.

As an additional incentive, students who entered an essay were also rewarded with a free ice cream certificate for later use. The contest was held at local Applebee's restaurants in New Jersey owned and operated by local franchisee, Doherty Enterprises.

All of the teachers were nominated by their students, who submitted essays explaining how their teacher goes above and "BEE"yond for their students, especially when tasked with navigating virtual learning amidst the pandemic.

Winners were selected by the local Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar team.

"Our restaurants are committed to giving back to the local community now more than ever, and we're honored to help to support local schoolteachers who have worked so hard throughout the pandemic to transition between in-classroom teaching and online teaching," said Kevin Coughlin, director of operations, Applebee’s New Jersey.

Here is the full list of winning teachers and schools that received $500 sponsorship checks.

• Hudson County: Ms. Amy Garrett, Explore Middle School
  • Awarded by Applebee’s of Jersey City

• Middlesex County: Ms. Alyssa Mondella, John Adams Middle School
  • Awarded by Applebee’s of Edison

• Morris County: Mrs. Melissa Mcnulty, North Boulevard Elementary School
  • Awarded by Applebee’s of Bulter

• Somerset County: Mr. John McAvaddy, Auten Road Intermediate School
  • Awarded by Applebee’s of Hillsborough

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