West Middle School teacher Priscilla Olberding was recognized as one of four Long Island educators selected in the annual “Above and BEEyond Teacher Essay Contest” sponsored by Doherty Enterprises-owned Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants. 

The contest invites students to nominate teachers whose impact extends beyond the classroom through the nominations and stories submitted by their students. Two teachers from Nassau County and two from Suffolk County are selected each year to receive a $500 sponsorship check and an end-of-year class celebration. 

For her celebration, Olberding shared the luncheon with a group of eighth grade students who nominated her, and who she has known for much of their middle school experience. The students were in her classes in sixth and seventh grades and are now completing their final year at West Middle School. 

The gathering highlighted the relationships Olberding has built with students over three consecutive school years, a connection that helped inspire the nomination and recognition.