Four Star Freightliner donates more than $10K to teachers

The start of a new school year brings excitement for students, parents and teachers. But in the midst of the excitement, teachers find themselves digging deep into their personal pockets to purchase classroom supplies.

Baley Fowler, fourth-year kindergarten teacher at Cottonwood Elementary School in Cottonwood, Ala.Four Star Freightliner’s mission statement specifies that the company has a responsibility to be good stewards and leaders. Recognizing teachers’ need for assistance, Four Star Freightliner wanted to honor its commitment to the communities where its businesses are located, which includes seven cities in three states. 

Jerry Kocan, Four Star Freightliner’s Dealer Principal, authorized the donation of more than $10,000 worth of gift cards to local teachers in school systems near Montgomery and Dothan, Valley, Ala., Albany, Valdosta and Tifton, Ga., and Midway, Fla. Forty-two teachers were selected in total, and each given a $250 gift card. 

Kocan’s goal was to help local teachers and students, but to also honor educators in his own family that made an impact on so many people. 

Laura Hartley, pre-K teacher at Brewbaker Primary School in Montgomery, Ala.“My wife’s grandfather, Stacey Hughes, was a teacher and principal,” Kocan says. “His daughter and my mother-in-law, Bonnie Ely, was an educator and so was my godmother, Charlotte Sirianni. I know the personal dedication it takes in the way of time, resources and their own money to supply their classrooms.”

Laura Hartley, who is entering her 15th year of teaching, said she is thankful for what she describes as “much needed help.” 

“School funding is always limited, and a lot of the expense of classroom supplies and cleaning products fall on the teachers and parents,” Hartley says. “Having this help from Four Star Freightliner will do so much with providing a safe, clean environment for the students along with the supplies they need to learn and enjoy learning.” 

Teachers completed a form online and were randomly selected as winners. Four Star also was able to help teachers who have a personal connection to Four Star Freightliner, the company says.