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SONIC Drive-In donates $31,128.00 to teachers in Chicago this Teacher Appreciation Month

America’s Drive-In thanked public school teachers by donating $1.5 million to requests for learning supplies across the country

To honor the creative efforts teachers have made to maneuver their ever-shifting learning environments and keep students engaged this past year, SONIC^® Drive-In donated $1.5 million to teacher requests on national education nonprofit site DonorsChoose on Teacher Appreciation Day, May 4. As part of SONIC’s ongoing Limeades for Learning initiative, the $1.5 million donation helped fund more than 7,000 teacher requests across the country in need of critical resources, including 145 teachers in Chicago, Ill., who received a combined donation of $31,128.00.

On Teacher Appreciation Day, the brand matched 50 percent of each donation made to all teacher requests on DonorsChoose. In Chicago, the following teachers at 103 schools received funding:

Mr. Luis E. Barrera at Adlai E Stevenson Elementary School for the project “Music Heals”
Mrs. Gierhahn at Adlai E Stevenson Middle School for the project “Photos From A Memorable Year!”
Mrs. Thuis at Adlai E Stevenson Middle School for the project “Learning How to Use Our Louding Voice”
Ms. Altamirano at Agustin Lara Elementary Academy for the project “Something To Snack On While We Learn!”
Mrs. Baran at Alain Locke Charter Academy for the project “Put Down That Video Game and Read”
Ms. Contreras at Alfred Nobel Elementary School for the project “Color Our World!”
Mr. Breen at Amundsen High School for the project “Making the Cut!”
Mrs. Nguyen Evans at Amundsen High School for the project “A Work in Translation for AHS Seniors”
Mrs. Mcmanus at Andrew Jackson Language Academy for the project “Supplies for School”
Ms. Jones at Arthur Ashe Elementary School for the project “KEEPING UP WITH THE WORLD WITH ADEQUATE TECHNOLOGY!”
Mrs. D. at Aspira Charter-Early College High School for the project “Excited About Math?”
Mrs. Pettis at Avalon Park Elementary School for the project “Expanding Our Library With Science Fiction & Fantasy”
Mrs. Pettis at Avalon Park Elementary School for the project “Energize My Brain”
Mrs. Olson at Beaubien Elementary School for the project “Hero’s Don’t Always Wear Capes!”
Ms. Lee at Benito Juarez Community Academy for the project “BJCA Decision Day Laptop Fundraiser”
Ms. Malone at Brennemann Elementary School for the project “Book to Inspire and Engage!”
Ms. Mack at Brownell Elementary School for the project “I Am, I Can, I Will! AFFIRMED!”
Ms. King at Burley Elementary School for the project “We Need More Diverse Books”
Dr. Love at Cameron Elementary School for the project “New Year, New Books!”
Ms. Cline at Cameron Elementary School for the project “All Students Deserve the Opportunity to Complete Assignments”
Mr. Helbig at Carl Von Linne Elementary School for the project “Let Your Art Work Glow!”
Ms. Beal at Carroll-Rosenwald Elementary School – Rosenwald for the project “Fashion Is My Passion”
Ms. Preston at Chase Elementary School for the project “Help Us Visualize Art and Become Inspired”
Ms. Quintana-Marofske at Chase Elementary School for the project “Organizing the Classroom for Functionality”
Mrs. Thompson at Chicago Math & Science Academy for the project “Classroom Library: Gateway to the World”
Mrs. Black-Jordan at Chopin Elementary School for the project “Help My Students to Restock Items They Need.”
Mrs. Watkins at CICS – Prairie for the project “Engaging Resources to Support the Learning of All”
Ms. Cutler at CICS – Prairie for the project “Keeping It Fun”
Mrs. Olsen at CICS-Northtown Academy for the project “Freedom to Float in My Classroom”
Mrs. Vailant at Cooper Dual Language Academy – South Bldg for the project “Help Me Block Background Noise!”
Ms. Calderon at Curie Metropolitan High School for the project “¡Hola! You’re Muted!”
Ms. Avila at Darwin Elementary School for the project “Bringing Hands-on Materials to Remote Learners”
Mrs. Barone at Dawes Elementary School for the project “Read, Lead, Succeed”
Mrs. Lessmeister at Dawes Elementary School for the project “The Lending Library”
Mrs. Oliva at Dawes Elementary School for the project “Please Don’t Share the Crayons!”
Mrs. Shippy at Dawes Elementary School for the project “Truth is Stranger Than Fiction”
Ms. Ryan at Dawes Elementary School for the project “Preschoolers Love Play Dough That Doesn’t Dry!”
Mrs. Harvey at Deneen School of Excellence for the project “Update Teacher Tech”
Ms. Carter at Deneen School of Excellence for the project “Water and Healthy Snacks for Kindergarten”
Ms. Skipper at Deneen School of Excellence for the project “Back Together Again”
Ms. Emami at Dewey Elementary Academy of Fine Arts for the project “Learning Through Reading”
Mrs. Dechellis Library at Dirksen Elementary School for the project “Flocabulary and Nearpod Virtually in Our School Library”
Mrs. Dechellis Library at Dirksen Elementary School for the project “Beautifully Decorated Library”
Mrs. Meyers at Dore Elementary School for the project “Hands-on Learning Using our own Materials”
Ms. Flanagan at Dyett Arts High School for the project “Diamond Club: SEL Support Group 2”
Ms. Flanagan at Dyett Arts High School for the project “Artistic Expression!”
Ms. Harduvel at Earle Elementary School for the project “Keeping Social-Emotional Learning Safe”
Mr. Graning at Eberhart Elementary School for the project “Cameras for Kids and Memory Making”
Mrs. Adamski at Eberhart Elementary School for the project “Gifts for Grads!”
Mrs. Yanik at Eberhart Elementary School for the project “Marvelous Mentor Text Collection”
Ms. D. at Eberhart Elementary School for the project “World Patriots”
Ms. Black at Farragut Career Academy for the project “High School Life Skills Classroom”
Ms. Cirignani at Farragut Career Academy for the project “Vocational Training Room”
Ms. Baime at G B Swift Elementary Specialty School for the project “Keeping Up With Scholastic”
Ms. Devinney at G B Swift Elementary Specialty School for the project “Listen In!”
Coach Cruz at Gallistel Language Academy for the project “Virtual Soccer Awards Banquet”
Coach Cruz at Gallistel Language Academy for the project “Congrats Grad, You Did It!”
Mrs. Hines at Gallistel Language Academy for the project “Teach Me Here, Teach Me There!”
Ms. Roffers at Gallistel Language Academy for the project “Art Anywhere!”
Mr. Dominguez Jr at Gary Elementary School for the project “Future Pianists & Beat Makers”
Dr. Ochoa at George Washington Elementary School for the project “6th Grade Ready to Roll Music Literacy Is the Goal”
Mrs. Anderson at George Washington Elementary School for the project “Book Bins for Organization”
Mrs. Anderson at George Washington Elementary School for the project “Picture Perfect”
Mrs. Anderson at George Washington Elementary School for the project “Worrying About the What Ifs”
Mrs. Bierdz at George Washington Elementary School for the project “Chinese Calligraphy Supplies”
Ms. Tevenal at George Washington Elementary School for the project “In-Person Snacks for Remote Learning”
Mrs. Mischelle Sanders at Gillespie Tech Magnet Cluster School for the project “School Supplies, Please!”
Ms. Salamanca at Goethe Elementary School for the project “Broadcast My Screen: A Project to Pro-ject”
Mrs. Rodriguez at Gray Elementary School for the project “Let’s Find Out What It’s All About”
Ms. Shanahan at Hammond Elementary School for the project “Brushing Up”
Ms. Galan at Harriet B Stowe Elementary School for the project “Let’s Get Ready for Distance and Hybrid Learning!”
Ms. Mei at Healy Elementary School for the project “Spark in Reading”
Ms. Mack at Herzl Elementary School for the project “Class Technology for Scholars”
Ms. Johnson at Horace Mann Academy for the project “Young Entrepreneurs in the Making!”
Ms. Brown at Howe School of Excellence for the project “Shielded / Protected!”
Mrs. A at Hurley Elementary School for the project “Hurley Hawks Moving in the Right Direction!”
Ms. Williams at J N Thorp Elementary School for the project “Shield Us in a World of Hybrid Learning”
Mrs. Rewers at J Ward Elementary School for the project “The Hill We Climb Will Inspire Our 8th Grade Graduates”
Ms. Salgado at James Shields Elementary School for the project “Learning English With Elmo”
Mrs. Weiss at James Shields Middle School for the project “Math Support in a 100% Mobile Setting”
Mrs. Mickel at John Fiske Elementary School for the project “Resource Frenzy!”
Ms. Both at John Foster Dulles Elementary School for the project “Special Education Scholastic StoryWorks Subscription”
Mrs. Resendiz at Jordan Community School for the project “Staying Current With The Times”
Ms. Gelfand at Jordan Community School for the project “Hey! That Character Looks Like Me!”
Ms. Gelfand at Jordan Community School for the project “These Are the Bare Necessities!”
Ms. Lisnich at Jordan Community School for the project “Keep Kids Reading in Second Semester”
Ms. S. at Jordan Community School for the project “Using Our Imaginations to Play…in PreK”
Ms. Sawyer at Jordan Community School for the project “Dewey Belong Together?”
Ms. Orta at Kennedy High School for the project “Creating and Learning Through Technology”
Ms. Towns-Scott at Kenwood Academy for the project “Bronco Nation Decision Day 2021!”
Ms. Vincent at Kilmer Elementary School for the project “Shiny Happy People Learning!”
Ms. W. at Kilmer Elementary School for the project “Laptop for Virtual Learning”
Mr. Carrera at Lane Technical College Prep High School for the project “Keep The Dust Off My Piano Please”
Mr. Carrera at Lane Technical College Prep High School for the project “Pictures Encourage Learning!”
Mr. Carrera at Lane Technical College Prep High School for the project “Monitor-(ing) Hybrid and Virtual Learning”
Mr. Carrera at Lane Technical College Prep High School for the project “Picture This!”
Mr. Love at Laura Ward STEM School for the project “Tech Needed!”
Mr. Mccormick at Laura Ward STEM School for the project “New Tech for Hybrid Learning!”
Mrs. Ruiz at Laura Ward STEM School for the project “Water Bottles For Our Class!”
Ms. Makris at Laura Ward STEM School for the project “Chromebooks for All!”
Ms. Morris at Laura Ward STEM School for the project “Reading Is Fundamental”
Ms. Vaughn at Laura Ward STEM School for the project “”Did you do your RESEARCH?””
Ms. Vaughn at Laura Ward STEM School for the project “”It’s Spring, Let’s Promote Hygiene!””
Mrs. K. at LEARN Charter-Romano Butler Campus for the project “Snacks for Remote Learning Success!”
Ms. Confer at Lindblom Math and Science Academy for the project “City Champs Need New Books”
Ms. Confer at Lindblom Math and Science Academy for the project “Diverse Perspectives Matter”
Ms. Kam at Lindblom Math and Science Academy for the project “Help Give My Students a Voice!”
Ms. Levites at Lindblom Math and Science Academy for the project “Two Screens for Hybrid”
Mrs. D. at Luther Burbank Elementary School for the project “Budding Picassos”
Mrs. Lyons at Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy for the project “A Fun Ending”
Mrs. Mendoza-Ramirez at Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy for the project “In-Person Classroom Must-Haves!”
Mr. Barr at Mark Twain Elementary School for the project “Materials for School”
Mr. Barr at Mark Twain Elementary School for the project “Battle of the Books”
Mrs. Gallagher at Mark Twain Elementary School for the project “Smart Cart”
Mrs. Medina at Mark Twain Elementary School for the project “Learning to Read with Dr. Seuss!”
Mrs. Arroyo Vangel at Mary Lyon School for the project “Grasping for the Giver Graphic Novel”
Mr. Jordanof at Mather High School for the project “Need Footballs To Play Football”
Ms. K. at McAuliffe Elementary School for the project “New Year New Technology”
Ms. Quitshaw at McAuliffe Elementary School for the project “Learning in a Safe Environment!”
Mrs. Albritton at National Teachers Academy for the project “Engaging Resources for Small Groups”
Ms. Lahti at National Teachers Academy for the project “Mathies in Need of More Math Games!”
Mrs. Stewart-Davis at New Sullivan Elementary School for the project “All About the Quality of Sound”
Ms. Brar at Nicholson STEM Academy for the project “Engagement Is Success!”
Ms. Westerberg, Librarian at Nixon Elementary School for the project “Biographies Are Inspiring!”
Ms. Westerberg, Librarian at Nixon Elementary School for the project “Just the Facts! Nonfiction Books for the School Library”
Mr. Showalter at Noble Charter School-Drw Clg Prep for the project “Chicago Math Students Ready For In-Person Learning!”
Mr. Showalter at Noble Charter School-Drw Clg Prep for the project “Comfortable Collaboration Space for Students and Staff!”
Mrs. J. at Ogden International School of Chicago – East Campus for the project “Springing Into Technology for All !”
Ms. Benton at Ogden International School of Chicago – Jenner Campus for the project “Digitally Correct: Online Tools For Online Learners”
Ms. Yee at Oglesby Elementary School for the project “Back to School Supplies”
Ms. Angie Stewart at Oriole Park Elementary School for the project “Third Graders Need a Classroom Library Refresh!”
Ms. Angie Stewart at Oriole Park Elementary School for the project “STEM Challenges for Third Graders”
Ms. Angie Stewart at Oriole Park Elementary School for the project “We Like to Move It, Move It!”
Ms. Becky Bistrow at Oriole Park Elementary School for the project “Newsworthy Nonfiction”
Mrs. Russell at Palmer Elementary School for the project “Language Matters”
Ms. Campos at Percy L Julian High School for the project “Storage Cabinet for Student Rewards and Resources”
Ms. Covarrubias at Percy L Julian High School for the project “Keeping Up with Technology”
Ms. Fair at Peterson Elementary School for the project “Build Me Up: Building Personal Libraries and Learning Lives”
Ms. Abarca at Portage Park Elementary School for the project “Graphics Enhancer”
Mrs. Manata at Prescott Elementary School for the project “Make Your Mark Any Way You Can !”
Mrs. Manata at Prescott Elementary School for the project “First They Think- Then They Ink!”
Ms. Schwartz at Pritzker College Prep (Noble Charter School) for the project “Celebrating Gracious Grads”
Mrs. Gaeding at Pulaski International School for the project “1st Grade Adventures Await in Space!”
Ms. Morgan at Revere Elementary School for the project “A Year of Hands-On Science Discovery (STEM)”
Mrs. Burns at Rogers Elementary School for the project “Can’t Bear Hug? Let’s Air Hug!”
Ms. Merzel at Rogers Elementary School for the project “Step Away From the Tech”
Ms. Fairty at Rowe Elementary Charter School for the project “Fun with Fractions”
Mrs. Grooms at Sadlowski Elementary School for the project “Transform the Room! Target Instruction!”
Mrs. Lizette Salazar Juarez at Sandoval Elementary School for the project “Kids Need Movement!”
Mr. Daly at Schurz High School for the project “Students with Autism Performing to Entertain and Raise Commu”
Ms. Rosendahl at Schurz High School for the project “Completing the Classroom!”
Mrs. Rudnicki Samson at Seward Communication Arts Academy for the project “All About Trees”
Mrs. Rudnicki Samson at Seward Communication Arts Academy for the project “Shared Texts For Shared Learning”
Mrs. W. at Shoop Math-Science Tech Elementary Academy for the project “Ink, Paper, Print… All Set!”
Ms. Johnson at Southside Occupational Academy for the project “Power To Keep Our Students Strong!”
Ms. Hernandez at Talcott Fine Arts Museum Academy for the project “Let’s Build a Library!”
Ms. Hernandez at Talcott Fine Arts Museum Academy for the project “Art Project Instead of a Test”
Ms. Gana at Thomas Kelly High School for the project “Looking Sharp and Cool in Google Meeting – Part I”
Ms. Hornof at Tonti Elementary School for the project “We Can See Clearly!”
Mr. Roman at Von Steuben Metro Science Center for the project “Decision Day”
Ms. Brawner at Wadsworth Elementary School for the project “Butterfly Garden 101”
Ms. Pearse at Walt Disney Magnet School for the project “2020/2021 Can’t Beat Seventh Grade Spirit!”
Ms. Fleming at Washington High School for the project “Henrietta Lacks”
Ms. Hayes at Washington High School for the project “Building Growth-Based Mindsets Through Reading”
Ms. Jirik at Washington High School for the project “Essentials for Cluster Classroom!”
Ms. Macias at Washington High School for the project “Clean & Safe”
Ms. Macias at Washington High School for the project “Classroom Headphones”
Mrs. Taylor at Wentworth Elementary School for the project “Creating Culture by Celebrating Positive Choices!”
Dr. Rose at West Park Academy for the project “Engaging Essentials”

“Teachers took this past year head-on, engineering a variety of innovative methods to keep their students learning in both in-person and virtual classrooms,” said Lori Abou Habib, chief marketing officer for SONIC. “We express our gratitude to teachers like these, who create inspirational learning environments for students during a challenging time. With SONIC’s $1.5 million donation match, we were able to help teachers access much-need supplies to successfully complete this school year.”

SONIC is committed to helping teachers now in this time of need, and all year long. Through Limeades for Learning, SONIC has donated more than $19 million to public school teachers, helping more than 36,000 teachers and impacting nearly 7.4 million students in public schools nationwide since 2009. Visit LimeadesforLearning.com to learn about future funding opportunities and explore public school teacher requests in your local community in need of support.

About SONIC^® Drive-In
SONIC, founded in 1953, is the largest drive-in restaurant brand in the United States with more than 3,500 restaurants in 46 states. Served by SONIC’s iconic Carhops, the restaurant’s expansive, award-winning menu offers unique, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack and drink options for the whole family. SONIC is part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants. For more information, visit SonicDriveIn.com and
InspiredBrands.com.

About DonorsChoose
DonorsChoose is the leading way to give to public schools. Since 2000, 4.7 million people and partners have contributed $1 billion to support nearly 2 million teacher requests for classroom resources and experiences. As the most trusted crowdfunding platform for teachers, donors, and district administrators alike, DonorsChoose vets each request, ships the funded resources directly to the classroom, and provides thank yous and reporting to donors and school leaders. Charity Navigator and GuideStar have awarded DonorsChoose, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, their highest ratings for transparency and accountability. For more information, visit www.donorschoose.org.

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Ray Hanania

Ray Hanania is an award-winning columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.

Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

Email Ray Hanania at rghanania@gmail.com.