Brookhollow Teacher Surprised With $1,000 Classroom Grant

The summer break has started for most area schools, including Lufkin ISD. However, just before the final day of classes, the crew from KICKS 105 and Whataburger paid a surprise visit to a teacher at Brookhollow Elementary. For nearly 10 years, KICKS 105 has teamed up with Whataburger to award area teachers with a $1,000 classroom grant. Teachers are nominated through the KICKS 105 App, and then a teacher is selected towards the end of every semester to receive the award.

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Our most recent winning teacher is Larson Kay, science teacher at Brookhollow in Lufkin. We would like to extend a big thank you to Principal Cindy Stewart and Lufkin ISD Communication Specialist Kaitlin Smith for helping us to surprise him with the news.

Here's what was said about Larson Kay in his nomination letter:

"Larson Kay is a 5th-grade science teacher who strives for excellent learning opportunities for every student, every day! He creates engaging, hands-on, and rigorous activities that make students want to learn more. From themed labs to direct classroom instruction, Mr. Kay wants success for all. His positive relationships with students and parents help students see and reach their full potential both in and outside of the classroom."

Previous Teacher of the Day $1,000 Winners

Brandy Hughes - Huntington ISD
Felicia Arnold - Dunbar Primary (Lufkin)
Amanda Venegas - Brookhollow Elementary (Lufkin)
Heather Jacks - Thomas J Rusk (Nacogdoches ISD)
Cessali Williams - Lufkin High School
Mandy Cordova - Central ISD
Rebecca LeBoulanger - Pineywoods Community Academy
Gina Hodges - Temple Elementary (Diboll ISD)
Bobbie Morgan - Hudson Middle School
Kim Flores - St. Cyprian's
William Weeks - Peavy Primary (Hudson ISD)
Marissa Martin - Central Heights Elementary
KK Brown - Central Elementary
Dawn Ryan - Martinsville ISD
Cali Hollers - Sarah Strinden Elementary (Pineywoods Community Academy)
Dena Powers - Centerville Elementary (Trinity County)
Jennifer Evans - Woodville High School
Larson Kay - Brookhollow Elementary

How To Nominate a Teacher

Use this form to nominate a teacher.

When you nominate a teacher, you'll be asked to write a few lines about him or her. You don't have to go into a deep essay as to why the teacher is deserving, but please say a few more words than "She is nice and sweet" or "He is entertaining."

As the end of the semester approaches, a winning teacher will be randomly drawn from all qualifying nominations.