Teachers honored in Applebee’s essay contest

Two Long Island teachers won top honors in the annual BEEyond Teacher Essay Contest sponsored by Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar.

Cynthia Cavallo, a 3rd-grade teacher at Kramer Lane Elementary in Plainview, and Camie Sale, a special education teacher at Comsewogue High School in Port Jefferson Station, received $500 sponsorship checks to use toward their classrooms for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year.

The teachers were also rewarded with their choice of an end-of-year party at Applebee’s or in-classroom celebration for their current class or complimentary dinner-for-four certificates, courtesy of Applebee’s.

All teachers were nominated by their students, who submitted essays at their local Applebee’s explaining how their teacher goes above and beyond for their students, especially when tasked with navigating virtual learning amidst the pandemic. To select a winner from each district, contest submissions were then reviewed by the local Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar team.

Students who entered an essay were also rewarded with a free ice cream certificate. The contest was held at local Applebee’s restaurants in Long Island owned and operated by local franchisee Doherty Enterprises.

“Our restaurants are committed to giving back to the local community now more than ever, and we’re honored to help to support local school teachers who have worked so hard throughout the pandemic to transition between in-classroom teaching and online teaching,” Kurt Pahlitzsch, director of operations for Applebee’s Long Island, said in a company statement. “Applebee’s enjoys giving back to teachers in a way that involves their students, so we extend a big congratulations to our winners and offer these funds as a thank you for their hard work and dedication all year long.”