A Park Ridge teacher received a $1,000 classroom grant and a Chicago Bears Classroom Legend honor after a surprise celebration at Roosevelt Elementary School on Tuesday, Oct. 13.
Alison Uhlarik, an education support teacher at the Park Ridge-Niles District 64 school, walked into the cafeteria expecting a routine lunch period. Instead, she found fifth graders in Bears jerseys and Mike Ditka-inspired fake mustaches chanting her name, according to a District 64 announcement. The school-wide Bears spirit day, it turned out, was for her.
Her family was in on it. Uhlarik's husband and relatives attended the celebration to watch her reaction.
Before the gifts came out, students took the microphone. One announced Uhlarik is "one of the best teachers in the whole entire universe." Another said, "Mrs. Uhlarik is the best teacher in the world. She works with me every day."
Roosevelt principal Meghan Duffy said Uhlarik's impact reaches across the building.
"Mrs. Uhlarik is a teacher who constantly goes above and beyond," Duffy said, according to the district. "The way she sees students is remarkable. She simply sees the good in everyone."
Duffy added that Uhlarik has embraced students as her own, stays flexible and supports the entire staff. "You deserve this honor and more," Duffy said.
The Bears presented Uhlarik with the $1,000 check, Bears tickets and a commemorative football.
The Classroom Legends program, a partnership between the Bears and CDW, has recognized Chicagoland educators since 2010, according to the Bears' website. Selected teachers receive a surprise school visit, the $1,000 classroom grant, a personalized Bears jersey and an invitation to a home game at Soldier Field, where honorees are recognized on the videoboard.
Nominations for the program are accepted year-round. Fans, families, students and colleagues can submit a nomination at ChicagoBears.com/Community/Classroom-Legends.
