The United Family and Mrs Baird’s Bread has announced the October winners of the 14th annual Teachers On The Rise program as Stephanie Lewter of Crestview Elementary School (Canyon ISD), Megan Atwood of Pampa Junior High (Pampa ISD), and Danielle Bromlow of Pampa High School (Pampa ISD).
Since the program’s launch in August, nominations have poured in from students and families across the High Plains, highlighting how teachers deserve special recognition.
“Our teachers go above and beyond every single day, and it feels great to shine a spotlight on their hard work,” said Abie Rampy, director of public relations for The United Family. “This program is one of our favorite ways to celebrate the heart of our communities, and we can’t wait to see the amazing educators who will be honored in the months ahead.”
Winning teachers receive a $100 United Supermarkets gift card, a $100 Amazon gift card from Horse Creek Boutique in Spearman for classroom supplies, a $25 gift card to Tyler’s Barbecue in Amarillo, and a gift basket full of Mrs Baird’s goodies. The students who nominate a winning teacher also receive a $50 American Express gift card. Teachers On The Rise is also sponsored by Atmos Energy, who hosts the program’s year-end banquet.
“With more than 600 nominations already this school year, we are hearing about great accounts of outstanding educators in Panhandle classrooms,” said Shane Sumrow, the program’s director. “With Thanksgiving around the corner, this is a perfect time to tell us why you are thankful for your teachers.”
To nominate a teacher from your school, visit www.TeachersOnTheRise.com. Follow the Teachers On The Rise Program throughout the school year, including the latest monthly winners on their social media pages: Instagram: @ama.totr and Facebook: @Amarillo Teachers On The Rise .
Other community news
The 55+ Club of Amarillo invites the community to its annual Christmas Luncheon, a cherished tradition celebrating fellowship, festive cheer, and the spirit of the season, at noon Wednesday, Dec.10 in the Amarillo National Bank Skyline Room, 16th Floor, Plaza One, 410 S. Taylor. Guests will enjoy a meal catered by Calico County, live music by local favorite Dean Yates, and festive decor featuring poinsettias from Pete’s Greenhouse. Adding to the holiday magic, Tom Scherlen will appear as Santa Claus to spread joy and smiles. Admission is $10 per person, or $100 for a reserved table of 8. Due to limited seating, RSVP is required. To reserve your spot, call 806-374-5500.
LEGO is returning to the spotlight next year when the Amarillo Brick Convention arrives back at the Amarillo Civic Center, Jan. 10-11, 2026. Featuring all-new LEGO creations for the 2026 event, the convention will be supporting Creations for Charity, an organization that buys new LEGO sets for underprivileged children around the world during the holidays. Professional LEGO artists from around the U.S. will display their creations and meet with fans, while vendors sell retired and hard-to-find sets. There will also be galleries of various life-sized LEGO models, construction zones for on-site creativity, live builds and more. Tickets are $14.99 and are on sale now. Go to www.brickconvention.com/amarillo for more.
Thanks to local donors’ generosity, the Salvation Army of Amarillo Angel Tree program aims to help more than 950 children wake up to gifts under the tree this Christmas. “Each angel adopted by an individual, family, or community business, is a child whose holiday will be brighter because someone chose to Give with Joy,” said Major Tex Ellis of The Salvation Army of Amarillo. Now through Dec. 13, individuals and businesses in the community can adopt “angels,” represented by paper angels on trees at the Westgate Mall or various Walmart stores including those on Coulter and Georgia. To host a tree or volunteer, contact Wendy Lara at 806-373-6631. Those who can’t shop in person can visit https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/walmart-angel-tree/ and search for The Salvation Army of Amarillo to order items that benefit local families.
Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, will have individuals, families and groups across Texas working to pack and drop off a shoebox gift filled with fun toys, school supplies, and personal care items for children in need during National Collection Week, Nov. 17-24. Participants can use the locator tool online to find the nearest drop-off location, and those who prefer to contribute online can browse samaritanspurse.org/buildonline to select gifts matched to a child’s specific age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoebox by adding a photo and personal note of encouragement.
This week’s Furry Friend is Birdie. “She was found in a rental house, after everyone moved out. Birdie has a good looking reddish brown coat, and pretty eyes. She is very quiet and is good with other dogs.” APSCA adoptions can be made at the shelter, 11901 S. Coulter, noon-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Call 806-622-0555, or visit www.amarillospcashelter.com or www.adoptapet.com.
Ronald McDonald House of Amarillo is currently seeking area runners to race with Team Amarillo at the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. RMHC is joining other chapters across the globe for the fifth consecutive year to raise funds and awareness for charity at the World Major Marathon. In October 2026, more than 20 area runners are slated to represent the local Ronald McDonald House and the Amarillo community at-large as they join more than 50,000 runners and 1.7 million spectators, trekking 26.2 miles throughout 29 iconic neighborhoods across the Windy City. More information and online registration for Team Amarillo can be found online at https://www.rmhcofamarillo.org/marathon/
The African Children’s Choir will return to the area to sing next month. They will be performing at 6 p.m. Dec. 19 at Dimmitt Methodist Church, 110 SW 3rd St. and at 7 p.m. Dec. 21 at Polk Street Methodist Church, 1401 S Polk St. in Amarillo. Comprised of children ages 9 to 12, all from vulnerable backgrounds across Africa, the choir is marking over four decades of transforming lives through the power of music, education and hope. Their show blends traditional hymns and African cultural sounds, while sharing stories of God’s faithfulness through joyful worship. No tickets are required, though donations are appreciated to continue the Choir’s impactful work. For more, visit africanchildrenschoir.com
The Don Harrington Discovery Center’s Free First Monday program will be on Dec. 1 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. With their new free evening hours open to the whole community, Free First Mondays also gives entire families the opportunity to attend their other free program, Girls Who Science, and learn more about women in different STEM careers, as well as enjoy their state-of-the-art exhibits outside of traditional business hours. To learn more, visit DHDC.org or follow them on Instagram and Facebook. DHDC offers other accessible admission programs, such participating in Museums for All to provide $2 admission for families on SNAP or WIC benefits; offering library memberships with the Amarillo Public Library; providing scholarships for their day camps; and more. Both DHDC and Wildcat Bluff Nature Center will be offering $1 admission during their Discover for a Dollar program on Black Friday, Nov. 28.
Chipotle Mexican Grill recently celebrated the opening of its new location in Amarillo at 5802 S. Coulter St. Chipotle is hiring at the Amarillo location, as well as across the U.S. The restaurant features the first Chipotlane in Amarillo, a drive-thru pick-up lane that allows guests to pick up digital orders without leaving their cars. The new site is open 10:45 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. Amarillo guests can try the brand’s newest protein Carne Asada and newest sauce Red Chimichurri for a limited time, and other features include a rewards program (chipotle.com/chipotle-u-rewards), a Build-Your-Own Chipotle option that serves 4-6 people and more.
Raising Cane’s is hoping to spread holiday cheer and help pets in need with its “A Christmas Story”-inspired Plush Puppies: Ralphie Cane, Fra-Gee-Lay Cane and Pink Bunny Cane. From Nov. 19 through Dec. 31, fans of the holiday classic can get this year’s collectibles for $10.99 plus tax, available in-restaurant and online while supplies last. Each Plush Puppy purchase supports animal welfare organizations across the country, including Amarillo SPCA. Raising Cane’s is also donating $100,000 to the BISSELL Pet Foundation, and they’re also dropping new limited-edition retail collections on www.RaisingCanesGear.com.
Asher Point Independent Living of Amarillo senior residents recently enjoyed an afternoon at Bar Z Winery. The group toured the winery, learned about the wine-making process, and sampled several wine selections. The visit wrapped up with residents enjoying glasses together and picking out a few bottles to take home. “Sharing an afternoon at Bar Z Winery gives residents a chance to learn something new, enjoy time with neighbors, and take home a little piece of the experience,” said Cameron Gruenberg, Divisional Director of Sales and Marketing for Asher Point Independent Living of Amarillo. “It’s rewarding to see people discovering wines they like and leaving with memories that stretch beyond the tasting room.” For more about Asher Point, visit https://www.asherpointamarillo.com/ .
Palo Duro Canyon will be 90% closed for public hunts Dec. 3-15 as part of Texas Parks and Wildlife’s wildlife management efforts. The closure begins at Old West Stables, but there will still beaccess to the Visitor Center, Overlook, Trading Post, and a few trails, including the CCC Trail, Triassic Trail and Goodnight Peak Trail. Visitors are encouraged to follow all posted signs during this time for safety reasons.
With tax season just around the corner again, Intuit is launching a first-of-its-kind Local Tax Expert team and hiring tax associates and expert roles in Amarillo. The unique, year-round career path for tax professionals in Amarillo includes two roles, tax expert and tax associate. Intuit’s Local Tax Experts will partner with schools, nonprofits, and organizations to help people navigate major life goals, such as saving for college, a wedding, or a vacation. For more, visit https://jobs.intuit.com/ .
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Three named Amarillo area Teachers on the Rise for October
Reporting by Kristina Wood, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
