NewsPositively Hampton Roads

Actions

WTKR raises more than $4k for local teachers to clear school supply wish lists

Read about the 9 Clear the List winners!
A student raises their hand in a classroom
Posted

Did you know over 90 percent of teachers use their own money to buy supplies for their classrooms?

News 3 partnered with Southern Bank and the Norfolk Admirals for our annual 'Clear the List' campaign to help teachers in Hampton Roads, Northeast North Carolina, and the Eastern Shore with their school supply lists.

Watch: Back to school checklist for parents, students as new school year nears

Back to school checklist for parents and students as new school year approaches

During the summer campaign, people could nominate a teacher for a chance to have their Amazon school supply wish list cleared.

Hundreds of nominations poured in, all filled with praise about the care and dedication our teachers bring to their classrooms every day. Many people noted how their teacher nominee spends their own money on decorations to make their classrooms more inviting and supplies to help their students learn and grow.

"Our 'Clear the List' campaign is an important initiative that reflects our station's commitment to supporting our community," said WTKR/WGNT Vice President and General Manager Adam Chase. "By helping teachers equip their classrooms with necessary supplies, we empower educators and foster a better learning environment for students. This campaign embodies the values of WTKR & WGNT, highlighting our dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve in Hampton Roads."

Thanks to the generosity of our viewers and partners, we were able to raise $2,220 — a figure WTKR matched for a grand total of $4,440. Each teacher will receive approximately $450 for colored pencils, glue sticks, books, and the other classroom items on their wish lists.

You can learn more about the winners below:

Amanda Gainer, Norfolk

School: Bay View Elementary
Teaches: 2nd grade

"Amanda was a former student of mine at Norview High School. Her determination, resilience and dedication impressed me EVERY SINGLE DAY! I love that she has grown up to be a teacher and that so many children will be inspired by her love of learning. Amanda is self-supporting and doesn’t have the financial resources to provide for her students, even though I’m certain that she would try. PLEASE consider clearing her Amazon list. I could think of no one more worthy. Thank you!"

Robyn McNamara, Virginia Beach

School: Pembroke Elementary
Teaches: 1st grade

"Robyn has been working as a Teacher Assistant for VBCPS for the past 3 years while working to get her certification to teach. She passed all the Praxis Assessments while taking classes and was even Bettie F Williams' Teacher Assistant of the year! To help make ends meet, she babysits as well and is adored by the families she helps. It hasn't been easy, but she never gave up on her dream to have her own classroom. This fall, her dream comes true as she starts her first year as a teacher at Pembroke Elementary!! She is truly an inspiration!"

Trulee Swindle, Chesapeake

School: Joliff Middle School
Teaches: Computer Science concepts

"Trulee works really hard and find engaging and fun learning activities for her students. She often spends her own money to make sure her class has what they need. I have seen some of her lesson teaching programming and the students really enjoy it and learn hands on. She will also be coaching 2 robotics teams (Vex IQ & Drones) as well as producing the morning school news. It would be great if she could get help clearing her list."

Tabitha Brady, Suffolk

School: Mack Benn Junior Elementary

Teaches: Special Education

"I teach in a Special Education Self-contained class at an Elementary School. Have students in grades 2nd-5th with different disabilities. These students definitely struggle and often feel different and left out. We make sure that we do everything in our power to make these amazing students feel loved, part of our school and let them know they can do everything that the general education students do! These babies have my heart!! The greatest part of my job is seeing a huge smile on their faces when they get a concept after struggling for a while. It could be getting a math problem correct that they've been working on for weeks, able to overcome their fear and talk to their classmate, etc.. seeing them smile and laugh will melt your heart each and every time!!! We are a Title 1 school and pretty much have to pay for everything out of our pocket. The items on my list will help us help our students thrive through the year."

Paulette Warren, Portsmouth

School: Churchland Primary and Intermediate
Teaches: 2nd grade

"My students, community and my beautiful mother inspire me to teach. I want to be a part of something bigger. I want to make a difference and help create the future doctors, lawyers, presidents, scientists, etc. When students enter my classroom, they know they can achieve anything with hard work. My students know that it's ok to make mistakes and learn from them. My students are nourished with more than just academics. They get love, patience, compassion, understanding, respect, room to grow and tools to succeed. They are my forever family."

Watch: Chesapeake teacher makes "sensory corner" in classroom thanks to News 3

Chesapeake teacher makes "sensory corner" in classroom thanks to News 3

Jaime Currey, Hampton

School: George Phenix Elementary
Teaches: Special Education

"She has been involved in childcare, her entire adult life, and as the sister of a special-needs student, she’s decided to dedicate her teaching career to those who with special needs who require extra time and attention. She’s come home many nights with tears in her eyes because of the stress and workload and yet she continues day after day to be the best teacher possible."

Stephanie Rivera, Newport News

School: Warwick High School
Teaches: Math

"Stephanie has always wanted to be a teacher since she was a little girl. Stephanie worked hard raising her kids while going to school to become a teacher later in life. She has obtained several degrees and teaches special education math at Warwick High School. Her students mean everything to her. She has been teaching for almost 10 years now and always looks forward to each school year and getting to see her students again. She is such an inspiration to me and has shown me to never give up on a dream. She loves helping her students succeed. She is truly deserving of having her list cleared. This would help her and her students."

Krystal Goris, Outer Banks

School: First Flight Elementary School
Teaches: 4th grade

"I am inspired by the growth I see in my students. I love it when I see how proud of themselves they are, especially when they have been working so hard at something. I also love watching them as they get older and know that I have had a part in their successes."

Keyona Mall, Eastern Shore

School: Metompkin Elementary
Teaches: Kindergarten

"[Keyona] absolutely changed my child from a shy baby to a thriving child filled with confidence in herself. She has built a beautiful relationship for life with her and our family. She is loving and caring for all her babies, she deserves the world."