The Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl Association surprised two Socorro Independent School District teachers on Sept. 20 as part of a teacher recognition program from the College Football Playoffs called Extra Yard for Teachers Week.
“Today we are honoring the best of the best and that is our teachers of the year for being a part of shaping our future,” said Sun Bowl Association Executive Director Bernie Olivas. “It is our honor to recognize the individuals in this profession.”
The association recognized Vista Del Sol Elementary fourth-grade teacher Irasema Torres and Hurshel Antwine Middle School theater arts teacher Vanessa Payan, who are the 2022 SISD Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year, respectively.
They were presented with a football game day gift kit that included football memorabilia, a t-shirt and gift card to show appreciation for their hard work and dedication to students in the El Paso area.
“It was a privilege to be surprised by the Tony the Tiger Sun bowl Association,” Torres said. “It is a great honor to represent SISD.”
Payan said it was wonderful to be recognized in front of her students, including her own son.
“I loved sharing this with them and seeing their reaction,” Payan said. “To see them happy and clapping for me was just heartwarming.”
The College Football Playoff Foundation is a non-profit organization serving as the community engagement portion of the College Football Playoff. The foundation’s primary platform Extra Yard for Teachers is dedicated to elevating the teaching profession by inspiring and empowering teachers in four core areas: resources, recognition, professional development, recruitment and retention.
The teachers also were featured in the Sun Bowl Association’s float on Thanksgiving Day parade and at the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl football game in December.
The Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl Association surprise event photos
Published January 5, 2023
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