Brentwood Teacher Honored After Middle Schoolers Nominate Her In Applebee’s Contest

BRENTWOOD, NY — A Brentwood teacher was honored after her students nominated her in an annual contest recognizing educators who make a lasting impact beyond the classroom.

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

The contest invites students to nominate teachers through essays sharing how those educators have influenced their lives. Each year, two teachers from Nassau County and two from Suffolk County are selected to receive a $500 sponsorship check and an end-of-year class celebration.

Olberding celebrated the honor with a luncheon alongside a group of eighth grade students who nominated her. She has known many of the students for much of their middle school years, having taught them in sixth and seventh grades as they now prepare to complete their final year at West Middle School.

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