Applebee’s to once again honor local teachers

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar is holding its 9th annual Above and BEEyond Teacher Essay Contest.

The contest recognizes top teachers as nominated by their students. Two teachers from Nassau County and two teachers from Suffolk County will be selected and awarded.

Winners will receive a $500 sponsorship check to use toward their classroom and an end-of-year class party. Students who enter receive a free ice cream certificate redeemable at Applebee’s restaurants on Long Island.

To participate in the contest, students are invited to submit an essay in person at their local Applebee’s, detailing why their teacher should be named Applebee’s “Teacher of the Year.” Elementary school students are asked to write a half-page essay, while middle and high school students must submit a 500-word essay explaining why their teacher stands out.

Each student may submit only one essay, and entries will be accepted at participating Applebee’s locations through Sunday, March 16, with a strict deadline of 10 p.m. Winners will be announced on Friday, April 18, and the class parties will take place in June. If class parties are not feasible, they will be substituted with two Dinner for Four certificates for the student who wrote the winning essay. 

“We’re excited to kick off the ninth annual Above and ‘BEE’yond Teacher Essay Contest at our Long Island Applebee’s locations,” Brian McDonnell, director of operations for Doherty Enterprises’ Applebee’s Long Island, said in a written statement. “It’s an honor to celebrate the incredible teachers who dedicate themselves to shaping young minds. This contest gives students the opportunity to highlight the lasting impact their teachers have made while shining a spotlight on the educators who go above and beyond every day.”