Inspiring “Above and ‘BEE’yond” Teacher Essay Contest Winners
Psst…Check Out Things to Do with the Kids This Weekend in Westchester
We love teachers. They inspire their students, open their minds to new experiences, and help mold them into the adults they will become. This is no easy feat and requires long hours, dedication, and lots of patience. So much patience. Although they have prepared their lessons and are ready to teach, in many cases, they have limited resources, and some have none at all, to stock their classrooms with the supplies they need to achieve their academic goals. With that in mind, Doherty Enterprises, owner of 160 restaurants in the tri-state area, including Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar, launched their Above and ‘BEE’yond Teacher Essay Contest to acknowledge the efforts of local teachers and help them get the tools they need for a successful school year.
Now in its 9th year, the Above and ‘BEE’yond Teacher Essay Contest, offers students in elementary, middle, and high schools the chance to nominate their favorite educators to be selected to win a check for $500 to better their classrooms and the opportunity to host an exclusive end-of-year class celebration at their local Doherty-owned Applebee’s restaurant. Talk about ‘eatin good in the neighborhood!
“We are honored to recognize these remarkable educators who inspire their students every day,” said Neesha Seervai, Vice President of Operations for Doherty-owned Applebee’s in New York City and Westchester County. “It’s a privilege to support their hard work and creativity through this contest.”
Meet the Winners
A panel of judges selected the top six essays from all submissions and awarded the following deserving teachers:
Ms. Lipka, Forte Preparatory Academy in Queens
Ms. Brown, Bedford Village Elementary School in Westchester
Mrs. Gaines, Brooklyn Science & Engineering Academy in Brooklyn
Mrs. Caro, New Rochelle High School in Westchester
Mrs. Kavaler, PM MS 164 in Queens
Mrs. Shapiro, St. Edmund Elementary in Brooklyn
One of the two Westchester winning teachers is Ms. Janet Brown, an elementary learning specialist from Bedford Village Elementary School, located in the heart of the historic town of Bedford. Brown provides services in both a small group setting and within the general education classroom, and teaches special education students in grades K-5, focusing on grades 3 and 4 this year. She supports students in developing their study skills and behaviors, in addition to academic skills in the areas of reading, writing, and math.
When Ms. Brown was asked how it felt to be nominated by a student for this honor, she told us, “It was a nice surprise to be nominated by my student for the Applebee’s Teacher of the Year Award. He was very excited to share the news with me! I felt both honored and appreciated for my work in special education. It is challenging, rewarding, and so important that ALL students (with different styles, needs, and abilities) achieve success!”
Ms. Brown, demonstrating why she deserves her award, used her winnings as a teachable moment. She collaborated with the student who nominated her on a list of items needed for the classroom. “This includes classroom supplies, organizational and storage bins, and also hands-on materials to support student learning,” Brown reports.
If your child would like to nominate their favorite teacher or educator for the 10th “Above and ‘BEE’yond Teacher Essay Contest,” you can visit the Doherty website at the beginning of next year for complete instructions and learn how to submit their essay in person.
Psst…Check Out Westchester Summer Bucket List for Families 2025
