Joplin, Mo. (May 9, 2014) – As part of the Farmers Insurance “Thank A Million Teachers” national program, Farmers honored local sixth grade math teacher Kalan Hubbard at Joplin’s North Middle School for his dedication and service to his school and the community with a heartfelt “Thank You” in front of hundreds of excited students today.
As part of the “Thank You,” Farmers invited Mr. Hubbard to be a special guest at Saturday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway. During Friday’s school assembly, students had a chance to see Kasey Kahne’s No. 5 Farmers Insurance “Thank A Million Teachers” Chevrolet SS that he will drive this weekend at Kansas. As part of National Teacher Appreciation Month, Kahne will also drive this special paint scheme at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25.
Also during Friday’s visit, Farmers announced a donation to sixth grade math teacher Kalan Hubbard and North Middle School for classroom supplies. In addition to being honored for his distinguished teaching, Mr. Hubbard was recognized for his outstanding support of the Joplin community. Mr. Hubbard was instrumental in establishing a distribution center that organized donations that arrived following the 2011 tornado, providing local residents access to much-needed items such as shoes, clothing and other essentials. Mr. Hubbard’s actions were in keeping with Farmers Insurance’s efforts in Joplin. Since 2013, more than 200 Farmers employees have travelled to Joplin and spent over 8,000 hours working to finish the rebuilding job.
“We are thrilled to support Mr. Hubbard and all of the teachers at North Middle School through the Farmers ‘Thank A Million Teachers’ program,” said Doris Dunn, Director of Community Relations for Farmers Insurance. “We understand that teachers play an integral role in helping children learn and grow smarter. That’s why Farmers is excited to provide America with a platform to share their ‘thanks’ with educators and honor teachers with funding to continue doing what they do best — positively impact the minds of our future leaders.”
“We are grateful to Farmers Insurance for their support of all of the teachers and students at North Middle School,” said Brandon Eggleston, Principal of North Middle School. “Mr. Hubbard is an example of all of the quality teachers here at North Middle School. He is an active teacher who coaches basketball, cross country and sponsors several after school clubs and tutoring sessions. Mr. Hubbard makes learning mathematics relevant and enjoyable for our students. In addition, Mr. Hubbard has made a positive impact on the community, including much needed support in Joplin after the 2011 tornado and again in Moore after their 2013 tornado.”
With more than 530,000 teachers across the United States already recognized since the “Thank A Million Teachers” program launched earlier this year, Farmers Insurance is far ahead of its stated goal to Thank a Million Teachers in 2014.
As part of the “Thank A Million Teachers” program, Farmers is urging America to thank teachers, past and present, for the positive impact they have had in communities across the nation. Earlier this week, Farmers announced the details of a national competition that offers teachers across America the chance to win one of five $100,000 grants through the “Thank A Million Teachers” program.
Farmers has also invited teachers to submit proposals for $2,500 grants on www.thankamillionteachers.com website. During May, Farmers is inviting the public to vote on the round of proposals submitted in March and April, with 30 new winners to be announced in June. In all, Farmers has committed to donating $1 million to teachers and education programs in 2014.
For more information about the Farmers Insurance “Thank A Million Teachers” program, or to personally thank one or more of your favorite teachers, visit www.thankamillionteachers.com today.
