Most people remember that special teacher or teachers who helped spark their imagination and learning. That’s the idea behind the Virginia Lottery’s Thank a Teacher campaign.
For the tenth year, the Lottery, in partnership with The Supply Room, IGT, and NeoPollard Interactive, is encouraging Virginians to send special thank-you notes to recognize K-12 public school teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5 – 9, 2025).
The thank-you notes feature artwork designed by three Virginia public school students. The designs were submitted in a statewide contest and the winners were selected by a distinguished group of art educators and community members. Those three winners, one each from elementary, middle and high school, are:
- Avalyn Church, a fifth grader at Belle Heth Elementary School in Radford City
- Riley Rodriguez, an eighth grader at Edward W. Wyatt Middle School in Greensville County
- Allie Beatley, a ninth grader at Grafton High School in York County
Qualifying teachers who receive a thank-you note can enter a drawing for a chance to win $2,500 from the Lottery and its partners plus $2,500 in supplies for their school courtesy of The Supply Room.
Teachers and students are at the core of the Lottery’s role to support K-12 public education,” said Virginia Lottery Executive Director Khalid Jones. “Thank a Teacher is a unique opportunity to recognize both teachers and their schools with wonderful prizes, thanks to our partners at The Supply Room, IGT and NPi.
To send a digital thank-you note, or to request hard copy notes for your school, please visit https://thankateacherva.com/. Digital notes must be sent by May 9, 2025. Teachers have until May 14, 2025, to enter the drawing. All Virginia Lottery profits go to K-12 education in Virginia. In Fiscal Year 2024, the Lottery raised more than $934 million for K-12 education, making up approximately 10 percent of Virginia’s total K-12 school budget. For a complete list of Lottery funds distributed to Virginia school districts, visit the Virginia Lottery’s Giving Back page. For general information or to play games online, visit the Virginia Lottery’s website or download the Lottery’s app. Connect with the Lottery on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube.
With all gaming, please play responsibly.
