Teachers are often known to go into overtime working for the good of the students and schools where they work.
On Tuesday, the Louisiana Tech University athletics department teamed up to go a little extra distance and express their appreciation as they joined Conference USA in showing their support for some local teachers in conjunction with the College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation through its Extra Yard for Teachers (EYFT) platform.
Tuesday’s announcement was made as part of the CFP Foundation’s Big Day for Teachers — a day where the college football community comes together to celebrate and honor teachers.
Associate A.D. for External Operations at Louisiana Tech Kyle Kavanuagh and Louisiana Tech sophomore guard Jordan Crawford, who played on multiple boys state championship teams at Simsboro, returned to the school to go an extra yard for teacher Felicia Dunbar. Dunbar used to teach across the hall from Kavanaugh during his days as a former teacher and coach at Simsboro High School.
Joined by other Tech athletics, members of the Cheer Team and other athletic department members, Kavanaugh and Crawford paid a visit to Dunbar’s class to present her with a $500 gift card and other trinkets in recognition of the Big Day for Teachers.
“We wanted to come tell you thank you for everything you do for Simsboro, the parish, the community and me personally spending two years across the hall from you,” Kavanaugh said. “You were a huge asset for me and I know you’ve taught athletes and students like Jordan who have and will move on to do really great things at the next level, something that you have played a part in.”
SHS Principal Lacey Holcomb was in on the surprise but excited nonetheless.
“I’m so honored one of our teachers was selected for this, and she’s a great one to choose,” Holcolmb said.
Lincoln Parish Superintendent of Schools Ricky Durrett, once a basketball coach at SHS, was also on hand for the visit.
“It’s always great to be a partner with Louisiana Tech and have their athletic department and their education working with us, and this is just another example of that,” Durrett said.
The Big Day for Teachers is part of Extra Yard for Teachers Week (Sept. 15-23). Created in 2015 as a national celebration of teachers, EYFT Week is supported by the CFP Foundation and its college football partners. The CFP Foundation works in close partnership with the universities, conferences, bowls, ESPN and education supporters across the country to honor and recognize the meaningful work of teachers for the entire week.
“Our partnership with the Conference USA has been simply outstanding in our efforts to support teachers and celebrate their important roles with our children,” said CFP Foundation Executive Director Britton Banowsky. “We couldn’t have the nationwide reach we have without our wonderful partners throughout the country. Extra Yard for Teachers Week and the Big Day are incredible efforts when we all come together for teachers and make a real difference. We are so thankful to Conference USA (CUSA) and the difference it is making for educators.”
