Long Elementary School fifth-grade teacher Jennifer Albers was shocked on Oct. 2 when she opened her classroom door and discovered a prize parade of classroom goodies from the Office Max store on Watson Road.

Store Manager Julie Robertson and her team brought several boxes of school supplies and a brand new office chair for Albers. The items were donated by vendors and the local community.

“Our goal is to strengthen our community and schools, and to honor educators,” Robertson said. “We choose an area school to support and the principal nominates a teacher who goes above and beyond to support his or her school and students. This year it was our privilege to honor Mrs. Albers.”

Students lined the hallway to surprise Albers as she was presented with her winnings. Albers thanked her entire school, including students and teachers, saying that her success is part of a team effort at Long.

This is the sixth year that Office Max has sponsored its annual “A Day Made Better” community initiative, which rewards teachers in cities across the country. To date, more than $5 million worth of resources have been given to 5,000 schools and teachers in 1,000 cities nationwide.