Jon Beskin first heard about Extra Yard for Teachers Week while watching ESPN College Gameday.

He would see the giant checks, recognitions and celebrations highlighted on the network throughout college football season year after year.

And then on September 19, the celebration came to him.

“While watching college football, I saw the commercials for this and I was always like ‘that’s really, really cool that they do that’ and it’s awesome to actually have it come here,” said Benskin.

Benskin is an AP Biology teacher and Science Olympiad Sponsor at Boca Raton Community High School. He was one of four deserving honorees that the Boca Raton Bowl, a post-season college football team owned and operated by ESPN, recognized as part of the 10th annual Extra Yard for Teachers Week.

Extra Yard for Teachers Week is a nationwide celebration of teachers, led by the CFP Foundation, that uses the platform of college football to show appreciation for educators in communities across the country. Thanks to the support of the College Football Playoff Foundation and local sponsor Smith, Ball, Baez & Prather Florida Injury Lawyers, the Boca Raton Bowl awarded $2,500 to each teacher to use towards school supplies.

Along with Benskin, Ms. Kristin Potter-Oliveri from A.D. Henderson University School was celebrated for her work not only in the classroom as a middle school English teacher, but also as a middle and high school debate team coach and President of the Palm Beach Middle School Forensic League. She is also the 2024 Florida Atlantic Laboratory Schools Teacher of the Year.

“Her commitment to her students, not just in the classroom but also outside of the classroom is what makes her super special,” said A.D. Henderson Principal Dr. Lauren Robinson of Mrs. Potter-Oliveri.

Mrs. Evangeline Elrod’s jaw dropped when Boca Raton Bowl Executive Director Doug Mosley and staff walked in to surprise her with the check presentation during civics class at Addison Mizner School.

“I just feel like I’m doing what I am supposed to do. I just love making a difference in at least one, if not all of their lives,” said Elrod.

Dr. Joaquin Garcia High School math teacher and volleyball coach, Erica Green, was also surprised with a giant check this year. Members of her volleyball team joined school officials to celebrate the moment.

“I remember growing up, one of my role models was my volleyball coach. I had some teachers that actually influenced me to become a teacher throughout my years. This is exactly what I had planned on doing throughout my life,” Green said.

Green, Benskin, Elrod and Potter-Oliveri will be honored on the field during the 11th annual Boca Raton Bowl on December 18 at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton. Tickets to the game will go on sale in early December.

Let’s all make some noise for Extra Yard for Teachers Week, the College Football Playoff Foundation, its Touchdown for Teachers program and teachers across America who make such a positive difference in all of our lives!

Click here for the Boca Raton Bowl Extra Yard for Teachers Week Photo Gallery!