Teacher Receives Car Makeover For Service To Webb Middle School

TAMPA, FL — It was easy to spot teacher Colette Robitaille when she pulled into the parking lot at D.W. Webb Middle School in Tampa.

Last winter, Robitaille’s Hyundai was damaged in an accident, and she didn't have the time or funds to get it repaired. The front fender was torn off and, in an attempt to camouflage some of the damage, primer had been spray-painted on the rear end and hood of the car.

Frankly, it was a mess and an embarrassment to Robitaille, but car repairs are expensive, especially on a teacher's salary.

Robitaille, therefore, was surprised and delighted when the Tampa Maaco Collision Repair & Painting at 5409 Anderson Road, Tampa, offered to refurbish her car for free.

Robitaille has taught special needs students at Webb Middle School, 6035 Hanley Road, Tampa, for 19 years. She said she loves teaching and relishes the relationships she's developed with her students over the years. She also volunteers countless hours for school activities and fundraisers.

After all of Robitaille's hard work on behalf of her school, Ivan Montoya, independent owner of the Maaco shop on Anderson Road, thought she deserved to drive a car that didn't look like it had just taken part in a demolition derby.

“Teaching students this year is definitely more of a challenge than it has been ever before,” said Montoya. “Our shop has such respect for the work that all teachers do. Colette goes above and beyond for her students and deserves to be treated.”

“I am thrilled to have been nominated and selected to receive the Teacher MAACOver,” said Robitaille. “As a teacher, this year has been uncertain and stressful, but it means the world to me to be appreciated by my community.”

Maaco’s MAACOver effort is a longstanding tradition for the company, which has been around since 1972.