A Gift for Teaching’s 15th Annual “Grant a Wish” Event Honors Local Students 

Since 2010, A Gift for Teaching has held a holiday celebration in honor of three exceptional students nominated by their teachers. To recognize their hard work, positive attitude, and resilience amid challenging life circumstances this year, Zae (3rd grade), Milan (7th grade), and Steven (11th grade) were gifted a 5-minute shopping spree at the Free Teacher Supply Store.

This year’s festivities were made especially memorable with the first public debut of A Gift for Teaching’s mascot “Pencil Boy,” brought to life to help spread more joy, build community, as well as further the mission of empowering educators and inspiring future leaders. 

“We’ve had the pleasure of celebrating 45 extraordinary students through Grant a Wish over the last 15 years,” said Jane Thompson, president of A Gift for Teaching.

“Each of their stories reminds us that when a child is seen, celebrated, and supported, their future changes – and so does ours.” 

Typically stocked with classroom and school supplies for eligible Orange County public school teachers, the Free Teacher Supply Store took on a festive twist with extra toys and holiday fun. Zae, Milan, and Steven filled a combined total of 26 shopping carts with more than $21,700 worth of learning essentials and special gifts. Cheering from the sidelines was an energetic crowd of families, supporters, volunteers, teachers, principals, and OCPS leadership.

In addition to the exciting shopping spree, the students were further rewarded with surprises by generous event partners: Addition Financial, Aeras Foundation, Crayola Experience, Florida Fellowship Foundation, Meeting Movers, Olive Garden, Publix, Rotary Club of Metrowest, T.G. Lee Dairy, and Universal Orlando Resort. Their nominating teachers also received special tokens of appreciation for their dedication, compassion, and commitment to these students. 

As the second semester approaches, supplies from the first day of school have been worn down, filled up, and lost. Classrooms with hard-working students like Zae, Milan, and Steven need help to replenish these supplies to continue the year with success.

By becoming a Classroom Hero with a monthly gift, you can provide steady, year-round support that helps classrooms restock when they need it most—unlocking the true gift of learning: joy, creativity, and potential, month after month.