Military Bowl and Wegmans Honor Veteran on Big Day for Teachers

MILITARY BOWL FOUNDATION AND WEGMANS RECOGNIZE U.S. ARMY VETERAN
WHO NOW TEACHES LITERACY DEVELOPMENT IN ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 

The Military Bowl Foundation and its grocery partner, Wegmans Food Markets, Inc., on Tuesday surprised Alexandria teacher and U.S. Army veteran Jeretha Thomas with a $1,000 grant to use in her classroom as part of the College Football Playoff Foundation’s Big Day for Teachers, dedicated to supporting and celebrating teachers and saying thank you to amazing educators dedicated to helping kids learn.

“It was wonderful to see the smile on Jeretha’s face. Participating in the Extra Yard for Teachers program is just one of the ways that the Military Bowl and its partners give back to the community,” Military Bowl Foundation President & Executive Director Steve Beck said. “Jeretha Thomas has dedicated her life to helping others, with her service to the country and now her commitment to her classroom. We are very appreciative that Wegmans shares our commitment to supporting the community.”

Thomas enlisted in the Army for seven years immediately following high school, completing multiple tours of duty overseas. She credits this time for instilling a strong sense of discipline, leadership and commitment to service. Her husband recently retired from the U.S. Air Force.

Following her service, Thomas has taught elementary school for 21 years. She presently teaches literacy development at John Adams Elementary School.

“I’m eternally grateful,” Thomas said. “I’m usually not speechless. I truly appreciate this honor. I am surprised. Thank you Wegmans and the Military Bowl. I enjoy teaching, love what I do and love serving my country for sure.”

The Military Bowl Foundation will honor more teachers through the Extra Yard for Teachers program later this fall. Nominations and submissions for the grants can be made via the Military Bowl website through September 30. Selected teachers will be honored at the Go Bowling Military Bowl game on Saturday, December 28 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

Last year, the Military Bowl Foundation, Wegmans and College Football Playoff Foundation provided grants to 11 local teachers in recognition of their dedication to students. These teachers represented school districts from throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region, including Washington, D.C., and Anne Arundel, Fairfax, Frederick, Prince George’s and Prince William counties.

“At Wegmans, we believe education creates opportunity, which is why we’ve included education and youth support in our giving priorities,” said Chris Holland, community engagement and communications manager at Wegmans. “We are honored to continue our partnership with the Military Bowl in support of Extra Yard for Teachers. There are many worthy educators in the National Capital Area that have served our nation and continue to serve our communities, and we encourage everyone to learn more about the program and to submit nominations. We look forward to recognizing these wonderful teachers over the coming months and celebrating them at the Military Bowl in December.” 

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.

Tickets for the 2024 Go Bowling Military Bowl go on sale soon. This year’s Military Bowl will be held on Saturday, December 28, kicking off at 5:45 p.m. ET at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md., and televised on ESPN. The game once again will match teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference and the American Athletic Conference. Proceeds from the Bowl benefit Patriot Point, the Military Bowl Foundation’s 294-acre retreat for wounded, ill and injured service members, their families and caregivers.