Applebee's Hosts 9th Annual Above and 'BEE'yond Teacher Essay Contest

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — If you have a teacher who has made a difference in your life, you now have a chance to say "thank you" in a very special way.

Doherty Enterprises-owned Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants in Westchester County are currently holding their 9th annual Above and "BEE"yond Teacher Essay Contest.

The annual essay contest recognizes top teachers, as nominated by their students, and rewards them with a sponsorship check and a special class party.

The essay contest is open at the following Applebee's restaurants in Westchester County that are owned and operated by local franchisee, Doherty Enterprises: Cortlandt (Mohegan Lake), Cross County (Yonkers), Executive Boulevard (Yonkers), Hawthorne and New Rochelle.

One deserving teacher in Westchester County will be awarded with a $500 sponsorship check to use toward their classroom for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year, along with an end-of-year party for their current class. If an end-of-year party is not possible, it will be replaced with two Dinner for Four certificates for the winning essay writer.

In order to nominate a teacher and enter the contest, students must submit an essay in-person at their local Applebee's explaining why their teacher deserves to be Applebee's "Teacher of the Year."

Elementary school students are required to nominate their teacher with a ½ page essay, while middle and high school students are required to write a 500-word essay on why their teacher is most deserving.

Students who enter an essay will also receive a free ice cream certificate for later use.

Essay submissions are limited to one per student and will be accepted at participating Applebee's restaurants through March 16, at 10 p.m.

Winners will be announced on April 18, and end-of-year parties will be thrown in June.

"We’re thrilled to celebrate the launch of our ninth annual Above and 'BEE'yond Teacher Essay Contest at our NY Metro and Westchester County restaurants," said Tim Doherty, President and COO of Doherty Enterprises. "We're honored to recognize the local teachers who work so hard to educate the youth. It’s truly gratifying to provide a platform where students can share the meaningful impact of their teachers make and to spotlight local community members making a difference each and every day."