What started as an ordinary lunch on October 13 at Roosevelt Elementary School quickly became a stadium-worthy celebration when the Chicago Bears surprised one of our very own educators!
Alison Uhlarik walked into the cafeteria to applause and cheers as the Roosevelt 5th graders and staff congratulated her on being named a Chicago Bears Classroom Legend. The students, decked out in Bears jerseys and Mike Ditka-inspired mustaches, chanted “Mrs. Uhlarik” over and over as she stood in disbelief, realizing the school-wide Bears spirit day was actually for her.
The Bears’ Classroom Legends program celebrates outstanding educators across the Chicagoland area who go above and beyond to make a lasting impact in the lives of their students and school community.
To make the moment even more unforgettable, Mrs. Uhlarik’s husband and family attended to help with the surprise and recognize her dedication in the classroom.
Before presenting any gifts, the spotlight turned to the students whose lives Mrs. Uhlarik impacts every day. Stepping right up to the microphone, one student proudly announced to the room that Mrs. Uhlarik is “one of the best teachers in the whole entire universe.” Another classmate shared how Mrs. Uhlarik makes a difference at Roosevelt. “Mrs. Uhlarik is the best teacher in the world. She works with me every day,” she said.
Roosevelt Principal Meghan Duffy expressed her gratitude and highlighted Mrs. Uhlarik’s lasting impact across the school. “Mrs. Uhlarik is a teacher who constantly goes above and beyond,” said Duffy. “The way she sees students is remarkable. She simply sees the good in everyone.”
“She has embraced these students as her own, remains remarkably flexible, and supports all of our staff in seeing what we can achieve each day. Thank you, Mrs. Uhlarik. You deserve this honor and more,” added Principal Duffy.
To cap off the celebration, the Chicago Bears presented Uhlarik with a $1,000 check for her classroom, Bears tickets, and a commemorative football to showcase her Bears Classroom Legend status. The Chicago Bears made it official, and everyone across Roosevelt and District 64 couldn’t agree more: Mrs. Uhlarik is a true Classroom Legend!
