St. Anthony’s Mary Rodrigues Wins ‘My Favorite Teacher’ Contest

St. Anthony’s Mary Rodriguez has been named the Barnes & Noble favorite teacher of the year. She was nominated by seventh-grader Hope Otani. Courtesy photo.

By Maui Now Staff

Mary Rodriguez, a science teacher at St. Anthony Junior Senior High School, has been named the local winner of the Barnes & Noble “My Favorite Teacher Contest.”

A recognition event is set for Thursday, April 16, at 5 p.m. at Barnes & Noble in Lahaina.

Rodriguez teaches seventh and eighth grade, and serves as the Rookie Class Moderator. She was nominated by seventh-grader Hope Otani and chosen from entries at the Barnes & Noble in Lahaina.

Students were invited to nominate their favorite teacher by writing essays, poems or thank-you letters explaining how their teacher has influenced their lives and sharing why they appreciate and admire him or her.

Entries were judged on the compelling nature of the teacher’s qualities, the sincerity of the student’s appreciation, and the quality of expression and writing.

Rodrigez will be recognized at the Lahaina Barnes & Noble event, where she will receive a special award acknowledging her achievement, and additional recognition and praise from the community.

Otani, who wrote the winning essay, will also be honored at the event and receive a certificate of recognition.

Rodriguez will now be entered into the regional competition from which five winners will be chosen. Each regional winner will receive a $500 Barnes & Noble Gift Card.

From the pool of five regional winners, Barnes & Noble will name one teacher the Barnes & Noble National Teacher of the Year. The winning teacher will receive $5,000 and the title of “Teacher of the Year.” The winner will be recognized at a special community celebration at a local Barnes & Noble store. The winning teacher’s school will receive $5,000 as well.

Students enrolled in middle or high schools in the US are eligible to participate; and only educators employed by private or public elementary, middle, or high schools are eligible to be nominated.

More details on the contest rules can be found online.