MORRIS COUNTY, NJ – Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar this week announced the winners of its 5th annual Above and “BEE”yond Teacher Essay Contest, which recognized the work and dedication of four top teachers throughout New Jersey with a $500 sponsorship check to use toward their classroom 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 two Dinner for Four certificates, courtesy of Applebee’s. As an additional incentive, students who entered an essay were also rewarded with a free ice cream certificate for later use.
All teachers were nominated by their students, who submitted essays at their local Applebee’s explaining how their teacher goes above and “BEE”yond 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.
“We’re thrilled to announce the winners of our fifth annual Above and BEEyond Teacher Essay Contest at our New Jersey restaurants,” said Kevin Coughlin, director of operations, Applebee’s New Jersey. “Our restaurants are committed to giving back to the local community now more than ever, and we’re honored to help to support local schoolteachers who have worked so hard throughout the pandemic to transition between in-classroom teaching and online teaching. 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.”
Applebee’s Above and “BEE”yond Teacher Essay Contest entries were accepted at the following Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises in New Jersey: Brick, Bridgewater, Butler, Clark, Clifton, Edison, Garfield, Hackensack, Hackettstown, Hillsborough, Howell, Jersey City, Jersey Gardens, Kearny, Lacey, Linden, Manahawkin, Manalapan, Manchester, Middletown, Milltown, Mt. Olive, Newark, Newton, North Bergen, Ocean, Paramus, Parsippany, Phillipsburg, Piscataway, Rockaway, Tinton Falls, Totowa and Union.
Following is the full list of winning teachers and schools that received $500 sponsorship checks.
- Hudson County: Ms. Amy Garrett, Explore Middle School
- Awarded by Applebee’s of Jersey City
- Middlesex County: Ms. Alyssa Mondella, John Adams Middle School
- Awarded by Applebee’s of Edison
- Morris County: Mrs. Melissa Mcnulty, North Boulevard Elementary School
- Awarded by Applebee’s of Bulter
- Somerset County: Mr. John McAvaddy, Auten Road Intermediate School
- Awarded by Applebee’s of Hillsborough
