March 12, 2007
During the 2006-07 season, Lobo Men’s Basketball and Circle K honored full time teachers and counselors from elementary and middle schools throughout New Mexico. This highly successful and popular promotion was called “Teacher of the Year”.
During each home Lobo Men’s Basketball game, one teacher was recognized on-court during a short pre-game recognition ceremony. UNM Athletics Marketing Department coordinated the promotion, which was sponsored by Circle K, and received hundreds of nominations for “favorite teachers” from colleagues, parents, students and administrators. The teachers’ names were randomly drawn from all the entries received and each teacher received 4 tickets to the game and a t-shirt.
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At the final game of the season against UNLV on Feb. 28, one teacher’s name was drawn from all who had been recognized. John Whalen, a teacher at Lowell Elementary School, was the winner and received on-court recognition as the “Circle K Teacher of the Year” and a check for $1,000 from Circle K. Also appearing with John at the ceremony was Renee Martinez, Principal at Lowell Elementary School, who had nominated John for the award.
Here is a list of the recognized teachers, throughout the season, and the school they represented:
Feb. 28 vs. UNLV – John Whalen, Lowell Elementary (Winner)
Feb. 20 vs. San Diego State – Kathleen Melancon, Sandia Base Elementary
Feb. 10 vs. Air Force – Jennifer Ortiz, Vista Grande Elementary
Feb. 17 vs. TCU – Fred March, Eugene Field Elementary
Jan. 24 vs. BYU – Danielle Groeling, Chaparral Elementary
Jan. 30 vs. Wyoming – Keith Jeneski, Cleveland Middle School
Jan. 6 vs. Colorado State – Kelly Torres, Alvarado Elementary
Jan. 13 vs. Utah – Celia Setliff, Sombra del Monte Elementary
Dec. 28 vs. Alcorn State – Kara Siegel, Corrales Elementary
Dec. 19 vs. Charleston Southern – Gilbert Perez, McKinley Middle School
Dec. 17 vs. Longwood – Valerie Salazar, Edmund G Ross Elementary
Dec. 16 vs. North Carolina A & T – Brigetta Slinger, Collet Park Elementary
Nov 28 vs. New Mexico State – Jennifer Boren, Eastern Hills Christian Academy
Nov 14 vs. Colorado – Gilbert Griego, Arroyo del Oso Elementary
Nov. 12 vs. Sacramento State – Patricia Schaub, Peter Carrelas, Sarah Chavez, Sarah Lydon, Margarita Barrazas, Polk Middle School
Nov 10 vs. Abilene Christian – John Whalen, Lowell Elementary