Riverview Chamber Offers Back-To-School Welcome To Teachers

RIVERVIEW, FL — Teachers and principals of 25 Hillsborough County schools were treated to a warm back-to-school welcome Wednesday when the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Teaching to Excellence event.

More than 350 teachers, principals and business leaders were ushered into the ballroom of The Regent by a chorus of Riverview High School Shark cheerleaders. Once inside, teachers received a reusable tote bag and were invited to visit more than 30 teacher supply stops for supplies, coupons and teaching tools.

According to event chairwoman Nikki Foster of The Mosaic Co., the event was the vision of lifelong Riverview resident and retired Hillsborough County School Superintendent Earl Lennard. Lennard was represented by his educator daughter, Missy, and son, Jeremy, who accepted an award on their father's behalf and a $500 donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Riverview in his honor. Lennard was one of the community leaders responsible for the construction of the club, which provides after-school activities for students in the Riverview area.

Teachers also received label-making machines and storage bins, courtesy of the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office, and were awarded gift baskets and raffle prizes including a $75 gift card to Outback Steakhouse, dinner at Mise en Place, and tickets to The Chainsmokeers and Twenty-One Pilots at the Amalie Arena.