2026 Teacher Appreciation Week
As part of Teacher Appreciation Week, the Military Bowl Foundation and Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. caught up with some of the teachers who received grants this school year as part of the College Football Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers program.
Sponsored locally by Wegmans, the Military Bowl Foundation provided $1,000 to 10 teachers across the National Capital Region, focusing on teachers with connections to the military.
“I used my grant funds to buy new headphones for our classroom and also art supplies for our interactive notebooks,” said Vicky Prosser, a six-year U.S. Army veteran who teaches Spanish at Brooke Point High School in Stafford County.
Prosser estimated that the 120 headphones will be used by 1,000 students.
Bill Fouse, a 20-year U.S. Marine Corps veteran who teaches special education at Stevensville Middle School in Queen Anne’s County, said that he used his grant to purchase an extra Chromebook charger and durable headphones for students to use during class.
“All of the staff here at Stevensville Middle School is VERY grateful for this!” Fouse said. “Thank you!
Megan Hinton, a U.S. Army Reserves veteran who teaches math and is the eighth grade team leader at Gaithersburg Middle School, used her grant to purchase materials to support the school’s eighth grade promotion ceremony, including certificate preparation materials and certificate holders.
Lisanne Boddye, a U.S. Army veteran who teaches 10th grade English at Potomac High School in Prince William County, used grant for a number of items to support her classroom, including a discussion ball, a massaging office chair and easel pads. The additions have made a tremendous impact on her classroom.
“The discussion ball has quickly become a beloved tool,” Boddye said. “Students light up when it’s their turn to catch it, and it has transformed participation into a fun, low-pressure experience. Even students who are typically hesitant to contribute verbally have become more willing to share ideas when the structure feels playful rather than intimidating.
“The massaging office chair has also been far more impactful than I anticipated. Students often refer to it as ‘the teacher chair,’ and getting to sit in it during discussion feels like a privilege that motivates them to participate more fully. More importantly, the sensory input the chair provides helps many students manage the anxiety that can arise when speaking aloud in a classroom setting. For some of my neurodivergent or anxious students, this simple accommodation has made a visible difference in their confidence and comfort level.
“I cannot express enough my gratitude for the generosity behind this project. These materials have allowed me to cultivate more inclusive, joyful, and equitable discussion opportunities for students who often need intentional encouragement and structured support to feel heard. The positive effects are already evident, and I am deeply thankful for the chance to provide this experience for them.”
Carlesha Douglas, a U.S. Air Force veteran who teaches computer science and engineering at Argyle Middle School in Montgomery County, was equally appreciative of the grant and its impact.
“With the support of the generous grant, students now have access to updated STEM materials, technology, and classroom tools that allow them to explore science, engineering, and problem-solving in deeper and more meaningful ways.
“These resources help bring complex concepts to life, encourage creativity and critical thinking, and give students opportunities to collaborate and experiment like real scientists and engineers. As a result, students are more motivated, confident, and prepared to pursue future academic and career pathways in STEM fields. I’m so grateful for the grant! Thank you, thank you and thank you!”
The Extra Yard for Teachers grant recipients were recognized during the 2025 Go Bowling Military Bowl on Saturday, December 27 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
“We are devoted to being a good neighbor in every community we serve,” said Chris Holland, community engagement & communications manager at Wegmans. “We believe that education creates opportunity. The National Capital Region has many educators that have served our nation and now continue to serve our communities. We are proud of our sustained partnership with Military Bowl in support of Extra Yard for Teachers to honor and celebrate some of these wonderful educators.”
Nominations for the 2026 Extra Yard for Teachers grants will be accepted beginning in August.
The College Football Playoff Foundation is the community engagement arm of the College Football Playoff and works in partnership with institutions of higher education, sports organizations, corporations and nonprofits to support educators and improve U.S. student outcomes. Extra Yard for Teachers, the College Football Playoff Foundation’s primary initiative, seeks to elevate the teaching profession by inspiring and empowering teachers.