Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Nov. 18, 2024 – Arvest Bank recently honored six local teachers during the bank’s annual “We Love Teachers” initiative, which awards area educators $500 each to help with the purchase of school supplies.
The teachers were selected by partnering with school administration based on classroom needs. In total, 142 teachers at K-12 public state-funded schools throughout the bank’s four-state footprint received the award.
The teachers honored this year are:
- Greta Felts, third-grade teacher, International Studies Magnet School, Jonesboro Public Schools
- Lorenzo Balderas, 7-9th grade teacher, Annie Camp Junior High, Jonesboro Public Schools
- Brandan Bakkala, High School Band Director, Valley View Public Schools
- Hannah Gonzalez, 10-12th Grade Teacher, Brookland Public Schools
- Robin Terry, Special Education and Literacy, Nettleton Junior High School
- Jamie Boyt, Special Education K-4, Westside Elementary School
“At Arvest, we believe teachers are vital to shaping the future of our communities,” said Selena Barber, marketing specialist for Arvest Bank in Jonesboro. “Through their dedication, teachers help build a foundation for lifelong learning and growth, inspiring students to reach their full potential. We’re proud to honor these teachers, and we hope the award money will help contribute to a positive learning environment.”
The bank’s “We Love Teachers” initiative aims to help teachers purchase school supplies. According to a 2024 Teacher Spending Survey released by AdoptAClassroom.org, teachers reported spending an average of $860 out of their own pockets for classroom supplies.
Since 2016, Arvest has donated $539,500 to local teachers throughout Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas.
A photo gallery of the honored teachers is below:
