John Drugan School sixth-grade science teacher Ricardo Mendez won a $10,000 technology grant for the school when he was named the Rack Room Shoes nationwide Teacher of the Year contest in the spring of 2023.
Mendez also earned a $500 Rack Room Shoes gift card for himself as one of five winners of the contest that honored outstanding teachers across the nation.
John Drugan School and Rack Room Shoes representatives had a special ceremony to present Mendez with the award.
“This was a great celebration and has left me speechless,” Mendez said. “It is great to see the repertoire I have with my students and parents appreciated and acknowledged.”
Rack Room Shoes hosts an annual competition calling for customers to nominate teachers who have positively impacted their lives and their children’s lives.
Melissa Carrillo, a parent of one of Mendez’s students, nominated him because of the support has provided for her son. She said her son has had a much better and successful year thanks to Mendez.
“Mr. Mendez is a very humble teacher. He is strong in his work ethic and he’s very kind in how he teaches our students. He really puts his students before himself,” Carrillo said. “So, it’s very easy for me to recognize what an amazing public servant and the type of teacher he is.”
Mendez said he was shocked when he found out about the nomination but was also grateful, and appreciated the recognition that showcases the energy, time, and dedication that teachers invest in their students.
“My students are my inspiration,” Mendez said. “This job is very rewarding and it’s great to see the impact you have on a child.”
Each year, the retailer commits to awarding five $10,000 awards to the schools of the winning teachers and a $500 Rack Room Shoes gift card for each of the winning teachers.
“Teachers like Mr. Mendez put El Paso and the education here on the map,” said Alex Dominguez, district manager for Rack Rooms Shoes in El Paso. “It is great to show appreciation for his dedication and sacrifice for the job he gives to his local community.”