Ashburn Teacher Awarded Vacation Through Virginia Lottery's Thank A Teacher Campaign

ASHBURN, VA — A teacher from Rock Ridge High School in Ashburn won a $2,500 vacation from the Virginia Lottery's Thank A Teacher Campaign. The winner, world history teacher Roumario Bector, will also receive a gift card to use on either technology or luggage.

Every year, the Virginia Lottery hosts the Thank A Teacher Campaign on Teacher Appreciation Week. The campaign allows students, parents, and other community members to send electronic or hand-written notes to their favorite teachers.

Bector's name was drawn from more than 6,000 entries from teachers who submitted a special code from their thank-you cards. Bector will receive a free vacation and a gift card, and Rock Ridge High School will receive $2,500 in supplies from The Supply Room.

Virginia Lottery officials surprised Bector at his school on Wednesday. They noted that Bector will have his choice of two trips: a Virginia-themed winery and brewery vacation or a health and wellness vacation.

From May 2 through May 8, more than 50,000 thank-you notes were sent to Virginia educators through the lottery's campaign. "It’s an initiative to celebrate those teachers whose hard work and inspiration have made a difference in so many lives," the Virginia Lottery said in a news release. "Over the last six years, the program has recognized 10 educators throughout the state. This year, the Lottery doubled the number of grand prize winners from two to four and included extra prizes courtesy of its business partners, IGT and NeoPollard Interactive."

More information about the Thank A Teacher Campaign is available on the Virginia Lottery's website.