Educators shape future generations every day, often without seeking recognition. During Extra Yard for Teachers Week, the Boca Raton Bowl shined a spotlight on local social studies teacher Ella Pillitteri, whose dedication has made a lasting impact on her students, colleagues, and school community. The celebration was presented by Elite Vision Gifting & Events, whose support helped make the recognition possible.

Extra Yard for Teachers, the signature education initiative of the College Football Playoff Foundation, celebrates and empowers educators who go above and beyond for their students. Since its inception, the program has invested more than $104 million in education, supporting 756,000 teachers, reaching 14 million students, and benefiting 96,000 schools nationwide.

Boca Raton Bowl Executive Director Doug Mosley presented Pillitteri with a $1,000 grant through the Boca Raton Bowl and College Football Playoff Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers program.

“The Boca Raton Bowl is proud to partner with Extra Yard for Teachers and support the educators who make a difference in our communities every day,” said Mosley. “Teachers like Ella Pillitteri inspire students to learn, grow, and succeed, and we are honored to recognize her during this special week.”

As part of her recognition, Pillitteri will also be honored on the field during the Boca Raton Bowl on December 18 at Flagler Credit Union Stadium. The game kicks off at 11 a.m. and will provide an opportunity to celebrate not only her outstanding contributions to education, but also all educators who make a difference in classrooms and communities every day.

The Boca Raton Bowl extends its gratitude to Elite Vision Gifting and Events for serving as this year’s Boca Raton Bowl Extra Yard for Teachers Week presenting sponsor and to Just Baked Boca for providing cookies for the students, faculty, and staff who gathered to honor Mrs. Pillitteri and celebrate her well-deserved recognition.

Watch the Coverage:

CBS12 West Palm Beach

The South Florida Sports Show | WPTV NewsChannel 5

Learn more here about Extra Yard for Teachers

Learn more here about A.D. Henderson University School

About the Boca Raton Bowl

Now in its 13th year, the Boca Raton Bowl has established itself as one of college football’s premier postseason events, combining top-tier competition with a vibrant South Florida experience. Played at Flagler Credit Union Stadium on the campus of Florida Atlantic University, the bowl annually attracts teams from leading conferences and delivers compelling matchups in a dynamic, fan-friendly environment. Since 2014, the Boca Raton Bowl has generated more than 30 million cumulative television viewers, welcomed tens of thousands of fans to Palm Beach County and created significant economic impact for the region. With over 60 alumni selected in the NFL Draft and numerous others advancing to professional football, the Boca Raton Bowl continues to play a key role in showcasing the next generation of football talent on a national stage. The game is televised nationally on ESPN, broadcast on ESPN Radio and supported locally by ESPN 106.3. For sponsorship opportunities and more information, visit BocaRatonBowl.com and follow Boca Raton Bowl on Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube.

About ESPN Events

ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, owns and operates a portfolio of premier collegiate sporting events nationwide. During the 2025-26 academic year, the schedule includes 35 events, highlighted by three early-season college football kickoff games, 17 bowl games, 10 college basketball events, two college volleyball events, marquee regular-season college softball and gymnastics competitions and the Band of the Year National Championship.

Collectively, ESPN Events’ portfolio delivers more than 400 hours of live programming annually, reaching approximately 60 million viewers and attracting over 650,000 fans. The events feature participation from more than 20 Division I conferences and over 4,000 student-athletes, while fostering meaningful partnerships with host communities across the country. Follow ESPN Events on Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube.