Extra Yard for Teachers | Military Bowl

The Military Bowl Foundation and the College Football Playoff Foundation are proud to support teachers who have gone above and beyond to help their students. Through the College Football Playoff Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers program, the Go Bowling Military Bowl is providing grants to teachers in the National Capital Region to help supplement their classrooms and classes.

2024 Winners

Kareem Clayborne, Chris Yung Elementary School, Prince William County Public Schools: Fifth grade teacher is a U.S. Army veteran who performed scientific research for the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and the U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory.
Les Cline, Leesylvania Elementary School, Prince William County Public Schools: Physical education teacher served 22 years in the U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman. Now in his 19th year as an elementary school teacher.
Dawn Conway, Hillsmere Elementary School, Anne Arundel County Public Schools: Daughter of an U.S. Army veteran, her father-in-law served 21 years in the U.S. Navy. Now in her 25th year as a teacher, she says that every day still brings a new and exciting experience for her and her students.
Jen Fairson, Corkran Middle School, Anne Arundel County Public Schools: Daughter of a 20-year U.S. Navy veteran grew up around the military and is accustomed to military family life. She plans to use the grant to purchase materials for her classes.
Sharon Hardy, Patriot High School, Prince William County Public Schools: High school business teacher joined the U.S. Army after high school and retired in 2008. Now in her 16th year as a teacher, she enjoys seeing the connection between what students learn and their everyday lives.
Shelby Hill, Clearview Elementary School, Fairfax County Public Schools: Special education department chair comes from a family with generations of military service. Her father enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served three combat tours in Vietnam.
Danielle Hogan, Mary Williams Elementary School, Prince William County Public Schools: Kindergarten to second grade special education teacher enjoys building connections with her students. She is the daughter of a 20-year U.S. Air Force veteran.
Marie Quisbert, James K. Polk Elementary School, Alexandria City Public Schools: Fifth-grade teacher is a U.S. Army veteran, who credits her service for instilling discipline, camaraderie and a sense of purpose and says her time in the Army continues to influence how she approaches her professional and personal life.
Miranda Stitzel, Sunrise Valley Elementary School, Fairfax County Public Schools: Kindergarten teacher grew up in a military family; her father served 31 years in the U.S. Army. Both of her brothers are currently in the U.S. Army and she previously served two years as the military liaison at Sunrise Valley to support military-connected students.
Andrea Tores, Rippling Woods Elementary School, Anne Arundel County Public Schools: In her 20th year as a teacher, she works in the Restorative Interventions and Supports for Elementary Students. Her husband is an U.S. Air Force veteran.
Jeretha Thomas, John Adams Elementary School, Alexandria City Public Schools: Currently serving as an elementary teacher, Jeretha brings over 15 years of teaching experience and a passion for literacy and educational leadership. A former U.S. Army Sergeant with seven years of service, she has also led professional development initiatives as a Literacy Instructional Lead Teacher and holds advanced degrees in teacher leadership.

See how some of the 2024 grants were utilized

“My project is centered around gathering materials that will make learning more hands-on, engaging, and fun for my 2nd graders. With our new curriculum, I’ve found that building an interactive knowledge board is a powerful way to bring lessons to life, and it requires a variety of supplies to be truly effective. These materials will also play a key role in our end-of-unit celebrations, which give students a chance to reflect on their learning in creative and meaningful ways.I am happy to send pictures once the supplies are delivered and the lessons are in action.”

– Dawn Conway, Anne Arundel County Public Schools

“With the grant, I acquired a variety of items including bins, flexible seating, binders, games, a teacher toolbox, treats, and many other valuable resources. These additions have had a profound impact on both the students and the classroom dynamics. Bins have helped organize each student’s materials, making it easier for them to keep track of their supplies in our small groups. Binders have been instrumental in keeping students’ work organized, promoting better study habits and a sense of responsibility. Flexible seating options have created a more comfortable and adaptable learning space. Learning games have introduced another element of fun and learning, encouraging teamwork and critical thinking skills. We also use these games as a tool for social skills and helping them learn that we won’t always win the game.”

– Danielle Hogan, Prince William County Public Schools

“I am writing to share the positive impact that our “Zen Den,” created with the generous support from the Miltiary Bowl and DonorsChoose, has had on our students in the special education program at Clearview. The Zen Den was designed to be a safe, calming space where students can access the tools they need to self-regulate and find comfort when they are feeling overwhelmed or need a break from the classroom environment. Since its creation, the impact has been nothing short of transformative. The space has become a crucial part of our students’ emotional well-being. Students now have a designated area where they can engage with sensory items, mindfulness practices, and calming activities that help them center themselves and regain focus.”

– Shelby Hill, Fairfax County Public Schools