Canarelli student’s letter outfits teachers lounge

The teachers’ lounge at Canarelli Middle School was outfitted with new furniture and accessories March 6 compliments of Walker Furniture’s 13th annual Teacher Appreciation Day program.

Each year, Walker Furniture, in cooperation with the Clark County School District School-Community Partnership Program gives students in Southern Nevada an opportunity to win new furnishings for their teachers’ lounge by writing a letter describing their favorite teacher. This year, Canarelli Middle School was the winner, thanks to a letter written by seventh-grade student Lily Davis on behalf of her advisory teacher, Shelly Rambur.

In her letter, Lily described Rambur as not only a wonderful teacher, but a caring and dedicated adviser who devotes much time and energy toward helping students succeed.

“It is obvious that Mrs. Rambur loves what she does,” Davis wrote. “She is accepting and understanding. She doesn’t want to see anyone fail, so she tries her hardest to help each student succeed.”

The school welcomed Walker Furniture’s delivery truck and representatives with a performance featuring the band, orchestra, choir and cheerleaders.

“This is truly a generous gesture on the part of Walker Furniture. It’s wonderful to see a program like this bringing the business community in partnership with our schools,” said Kathy Mead, principal.

The furnishings included a new leather sofa, love seat, tables, lamps, pictures, accessories and a bookcase.

After the furniture was delivered , Lily’s class was given a pizza party where the teacher and student were presented with certificates for their achievements. For her outstanding letter, Davis also was presented with $100 dollars .

Walker Furniture also is having a plaque made for the school, with commemorative photos of the event.

During the event, Lily added, “I was very surprised and excited to find out that my letter was chosen as the winner. And although I wrote the letter for Mrs. Rambur, I feel that all of the teachers here are great. They really care and you can tell they care.”

Larry Alterwitz, CEO of Walker Furniture, said about 1,000 letters were received and selecting the winner was a difficult task for the panel of judges.

“Throughout the year, Walker Furniture contributes to many worthwhile causes, and we particularly enjoy programs that involve our local students and teachers,” he said. “Choosing the winner is always a challenge, because we receive so many well-written letters on behalf of so many wonderful teachers .”

Linda Alterwitz, director of community projects for Walker Furniture and organizer of the Teacher Appreciation Day program, presented the certificates and addressed the students and staff during their pizza lunch.

“Mrs. Rambur, Lily was not the only student who submitted a letter about you being their favorite teacher — there were many. Every letter written about you addressed your special qualities, your caring nature and your ability to positively lead them toward academic success. Your commitment to your students goes above and beyond and we at Walker Furniture want to congratulate you on your success and thank you for everything you do for your students, their families and our community,” Linda Alterwitz said.

“Lily is a wonderful student, and it is very exciting to see her and the staff at Canarelli Middle School recognized in this way,” Rambur said. “I just want to say thanks to her, to the other students who wrote letters and to the people at Walker Furniture for sponsoring a program like this.”