M&T Bank, Buffalo Bills celebrate local teachers' community impact

Call for nominations opens for ‘M&T Bank Touchdown for Teachers’ program

M&T Bank Press Release

M&T Bank and the Buffalo Bills have launched their annual “M&T Bank Touchdown for Teachers” program, which recognizes local educators for outstanding contributions to their students, schools and communities. Nominations can be made online through March 21 at buffalobills.com/teachers.

From the nominations submitted, two finalists will be chosen based on their demonstrated impact in school and in the community, as well as their commitment to local students’ learning. One finalist will be awarded the grand prize, which includes a $5,000 grant for their school and a surprise visit from a Buffalo Bills player or coach. The runner-up will receive a $1,000 grant for their school. Both the grand-prize teacher and runner-up will also be awarded a personalized commemorative football and two tickets to a preseason Bills game.

Last year’s program brought in a record-breaking 2,600 entries, with Breanna Pelonero, a teacher who made a special impact for Maryvale High School in Cheektowaga, announced as the winner.

Educators at schools in the following counties are eligible: 

√ Buffalo-area: Erie, Niagara, Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee

√ Rochester-area: Monroe, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, Wayne, Wyoming, Yates

√ Beyond Buffalo and Rochester: McKean County, Pennsylvania

Nominations are open now through March 21. Online nominations can be completed at buffalobills.com/teachers.

More about ‘M&T Bank Touchdown for Teachers’

M&T Bank and the Buffalo Bills launched the “Touchdown for Teachers” program 17 years ago to celebrate and give back to educators who are making a difference for their students, schools and communities. Since then, “M&T Bank Touchdown for Teachers” has recognized over 50 educators and has awarded more than $50,000 to schools across Western New York.

All nominated educators will receive a certificate of recognition from the Bills and M&T Bank. The finalists will be selected by a committee of community members, school officials, and Bills and M&T Bank staff members.

As the “Official Bank of the Buffalo Bills,” M&T Bank has built a vibrant “Football Brings Us Together” campaign, which celebrates Western New York’s shared values and passions that bring Bills fans together. For decades, M&T and the Bills have partnered on community-based initiatives that strengthen the greater Western New York region and create authentic connections among fans and their team. Fans can engage with M&T and the Bills and learn more about contests and promotions by following instagram.com/mtb_bills.