Representatives of the Chicago Bears visited Grissom Middle School on Thursday, November 30 to honor teacher Laura Garrity as a Chicago Bears Classroom Legend. Garrity was surprised by the announcement at a schoolwide assembly in front of a packed gymnasium of students and staff from Grissom Middle School and McAuliffe Elementary School.
“Along with our partners at CDW, the Chicago Bears have a program called the Chicago Bears Classroom Legends, and each year, hundreds of nominations come through for teachers, and principals and administrators who are going above and beyond in their community and their classrooms,” stated Emily Rooney, Community Engagement Strategist for the Chicago Bears. “Today, one of your teachers is being honored as a Chicago Bears Classroom Legend.”
Students and staff cheered as Garrity’s name was announced, and Rooney continued the presentation by reading from the nomination letter sent in by McAuliffe parent Ashley Lythberg.
“I cannot think of a more deserving teacher of this recognition than Laura Garrity,” wrote Lythberg. “Her true love for her students and her passion for teaching and mentoring the youth in the community is unmatched. The District and the community are beyond lucky to have her.“
Team mascot Staley Da Bear and Rooney presented Garrity with tickets to a Bears home game, a custom Bears jersey and painted football, and a $1,000 check for her classroom.
“I am beyond honored this morning,” stated Garrity. “It is a pleasure to call every student in this room, my student, and I look forward to seeing you grow. I hope you know I am always here for you.”
Garrity has been with Kirby School District 140 for over ten years as a teacher at Grissom and Prairie View Middle Schools and McAuliffe Elementary School. She currently teaches Art to sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade students at Grissom.
