The Military Bowl and Wegmans Food Markets Inc. awarded Kareem Clayborne, Les Cline, Sharon Hardy, and Danielle Hogan with the Extra Yard for Teachers grant. Each recipient received an invitation to the Military Bowl, held in December, and a $1,000 grant to use in their classrooms.
Extra Yard for Teachers is an initiative of the College Football Playoff Foundation, providing grants to deserving public school teachers with military ties and those who teach in military communities.
Meet the Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) teachers who were recognized for their dedication to education.
Kareem Clayborne, fifth grade teacher at Chris Yung Elementary School
Kareem Clayborne served in the military for over 15 years, working as a military medic, clinical laboratory technician, and medical military researcher for the Walter Reed Institute of Research and U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory. In 2014, Clayborne transitioned to a career in education, becoming a teacher.
"My favorite part about being a teacher is seeing the lightbulb moments when students grasp a new concept or realize their potential. It's incredibly rewarding to witness their growth and success,” Clayborne said. “I believe that teaching is not just a profession but a calling. It’s about shaping the future by empowering young minds to dream big and make a difference.”
Clayborne plans to use the Extra Yard for Teachers grant to enhance his classroom resources, including hands-on materials and technology, and invest in materials that support the Green Club at Chris Yung Elementary School, which promotes sustainability and environmental responsibility.
"Kareem Clayborne is a dedicated educator who goes above and beyond to support his students, ensuring they have the resources and encouragement needed to succeed. He provides meaningful opportunities for students to reflect on their activities, helping them develop critical thinking and self-awareness,” explained Monique Harrell-Watford, assistant principal at Chris Yung.
Les Cline, physical education teacher at Leesylvania Elementary School
Les Cline has 22 years of combined military service in the National Guard and U.S. Navy. He spent most of his time in the Navy as a hospital corpsman, assisting in clinical settings or providing medical aid in the field. After serving in the military, he returned to education and has been teaching at Leesylvania Elementary School for almost two decades.
Cline shared that one of his favorite parts of teaching is watching students develop their skills and gain confidence. “Once they actually accomplish that skill, it is amazing to watch them cheer themselves [on],” Cline said.
Margaret MacGregor, principal at Leesylvania Elementary, explained that Cline has been a tremendous role model in their school community and has gone above and beyond for his students by exposing them to unique sports and activities in his classroom.
“He is beyond a P.E. teacher. I look at him as a safety officer in the building too. He is so supportive of every activity we have in the school, and he is focused on health and wellness because that was his background in the military as a corpsman. It has really supported and helped our community as well,” shared MacGregor.
Cline plans to use the Extra Yard for Teachers grant to purchase new games for his students.
Sharon Hardy, business education teacher at Patriot High School
Sharon Hardy, business teacher at Patriot High School, joined the U.S. Army after graduating from high school and retired in 2008. She is now in her 16th year of teaching.
David Van Gelder, assistant principal at Patriot High, said Hardy consistently goes the “extra yard” to empower and support her students.
“Ms. Hardy works diligently to provide support to her students on a daily basis, giving them the tools they need to have a successful future. Her work as a department chair also helps to support her colleagues in providing a positive impact with their students as well. Ms. Hardy is an invaluable asset to our school community, and we thank her for all of her efforts,” Van Gelder shared.
Danielle Hogan, special education teacher at Mary Williams Elementary School
Danielle Hogan comes from a family dedicated to service; her father served in the U.S. Air Force and her mother is a teacher. Over the past few years, Hogan found her way into the classroom.
She began her journey as a teacher’s assistant at Mary Williams Elementary School and, last year, went back to school to become a special education teacher.
“She saw a need and she filled the need, and that’s what we need in education,” stated Danna Johnson, principal at Mary Williams Elementary. “She’s exciting. She’s always positive. She believes in students, and she works hard to get them what they need.”
Hogan shared that one of her favorite things about being a teacher is the excitement and kindness she receives from her students.
“Just knowing that I am making a difference and no matter what I think about myself, they still have high regard for me and our interactions,” Hogan said.
Hogan plans to use the Extra Yard for Teachers grant to buy more instructional games for her students to help make the learning environment more fun.