It was Monday, March 4, and little did the students know that it would be a day they and their teacher would never forget. Rocio Sanchez, kindergarten teacher at Daugherty Elementary School, was about to be surprised in the most spectacular way: Reliant and the Dallas Cowboys had something special planned for her as part of the Cowboys Class Acts program. Sanchez would be recognized as the February 2024 Cowboys Class Acts Teacher of the Month.
According to their website, Cowboys Class Acts honors and recognizes teachers who constantly encourage, lead, and strive for excellence in the classroom. Once a month during the school year, the Dallas Cowboys and Reliant recognize a teacher in the DFW area for their phenomenal work empowering youth.
To keep things a surprise, the principal asked Sanchez to bring her class to the school’s courtyard to take a group picture for the campus website that morning. When they arrived, they were met by none other than the iconic Dallas Cowboys mascot, Rowdy, former Cowboys Offensive Lineman Joe Looney, the Reliant Armadillo mascot and other officials.
Andrea Russell, Senior Vice President at Reliant, explained to the class why a small crowd, including local news media, was waiting for them in the courtyard.
“It’s important for Reliant to give back to our community and one of the ways we do that is to recognize the educators in our community who are making a difference in the classroom,” Russell said. “Together with the Dallas Cowboys, we created Cowboys Class Acts and we are here today to recognize Rocio Sanchez as an educator who positively impacts kids’ lives.”
Rocio stood there in shock, her eyes filling with tears of joy as she realized what was happening. But the surprises didn’t end there. Sanchez was gifted a custom Cowboys jersey with her name on the back, a football and a $4,000 check. The students clapped and cheered as their teacher was honored.
Still in disbelief, Sanchez graciously accepted the recognition. She knew this grant would make a difference in her classroom, allowing her to provide even more resources and opportunities for her students.
“I’m so surprised! I’ve never had anything like this happen before,” said Sanchez. I have so many ideas running through my head about how to use these funds for my classroom. For instance, we’re getting a new science curriculum next year, so I can use the grant to purchase items to make the lessons even more engaging. There are so many possibilities.”
Sanchez is a highly esteemed kindergarten teacher fluent in English and Spanish who inspires her colleagues and students. As the first person in her family to graduate from college, she motivates her students to pursue their academic goals. Sanchez has spent nearly 20 years teaching at Daugherty Elementary.
“I’m going to continue teaching as long as possible because it’s what I’ve always wanted to do,” explained Sanchez. “My third-grade teacher inspired me to become a teacher and I hope to pay it forward and inspire the next generation. Thank you to the Dallas Cowboys and Reliant for this recognition!”
Information and photo provided by Garland ISD.