Pupil’s letter to Walker Furniture leads to teachers’ lounge upgrade

The teachers' lounge at Keller Middle School in Las Vegas was outfitted with new furniture and accessories recently, compliments of Walker Furniture's ninth annual Teacher Appreciation Day program.

Eighth-grader Austin Nelson wrote to the furniture retailer about his computer literacy teacher Angela Barbre.

Each year, Walker Furniture, in cooperation with the Clark County School District School-Community Partnership Program, gives students in Southern Nevada an opportunity to win new furnishings for their teachers' lounge by writing a letter about their favorite teacher.

The furnishings include a leather sofa, love seat, coffee table, end table, lamp, picture, bookcase, baskets and a plant.

Barbre, who has been teaching sixth through eighth grades at the school for the past five years, said she was surprised to learn that Nelson had written about her and proud that his letter was the winner among more than 600 received by the company.

"This is such an honor," Barbre said. "When I heard that Austin had written the winning letter and it was about me, I was ecstatic. I am very honored to be thanked by a student in such a way."

After the furniture was delivered, Nelson's class was treated to a pizza party, during which he and Barbre received special certificates. In addition, Nelson received $100.

"As you all know, your fellow student, Austin Nelson, wrote the winning letter about Ms. Barbre. Our committee read hundreds of letters. There were a few exceptional letters but yours, Austin, was the best," said Linda Alterwitz, director of community projects for Walker and organizer of the Teacher Appreciation Day program, during the party. "Thank you for writing a letter that so nicely expressed your admiration and gratitude for your favorite teacher, Ms. Barbre."