Two Ozark School District teachers had a big surprise May 15 as Whataburger briefly interrupted their classrooms to give them each $1,000 for Teacher Appreciation Week as part of the Whatateacher program. 

Ozark’s Secondary Teacher of the Year, Amy Sappington, and Elementary Teacher of the Year, Lisa Esch, received the honors for the 2022-2023 school year. Whataburger presented them each with $1,000 to be used in their classrooms, as well as a gift basket full of Whataburger goodies. 

“There are so many elements that play into student success, but arguably one of the biggest is our educators and school staff,” said Candace Lolcoma, field marketing coordinator at Whataburger. “It’s our mission at Whataburger to support students and educators all year long through our Feeding Student Success charitable initiative. Whether it’s free breakfast or a classroom grant, we know a little can make a big difference — and Whataburger is proud to show our appreciation for all our teachers do.”

Sappington teaches math at Ozark High School and Esch teaches second grade at North Elementary. They were named teachers of the year during the Second Annual OZcar Awards ceremony in August 2022. Teachers and staff of the year winners for the 2023-24 school year will be announced at the districtwide staff meeting this coming August, kicking off the 2023-24 school year. 

“Ozark School is grateful for partners like Whataburger, who are dedicated to supporting their community and more specifically, their community’s educators,” said Assistant Superintendent of Learning Dr. Craig Carson. 

Kaden Jones, operating partner for Ozark Whataburger, presents a $1,000 check to OHS math teacher Amy Sappington, who is the District’s Secondary Teacher of the Year for the 2022-23 school year.

Surrounded by excited second graders at North Elementary, Kaden Jones, operating partner for Ozark Whataburger, presents a $1,000 check to North teacher Lisa Esch, who is the District’s Elementary Teacher of the Year for the 2022-23 school year.