WINONA LAKE – Walmart announced Jefferson Elementary School as its “School of the Year” Friday afternoon. During an all-school convocation, 20 teachers’ names were drawn out of a bucket for $50 gift cards each. After each teacher’s name was announced, the students yelled proudly for them. “The whole purpose is so they can buy school supplies or treats for their classrooms. Walmart also donated a bunch of school supplies,” Brock Heyneman, Warsaw store manager, told the students. Presenting the gift cards with Heyneman were Deb Ponko, Walmart community coordinator; Shelly Alber, Walmart personnel manager; and Bob Avery, store co-manager. Walmart has had a teacher appreciation program for more than 20 years. It’s a way for Walmart to give back to the local community.
