Cascade Middle School teacher Christine Oberloh received the OfficeMax "A Day Made Better" recognition on October 6 at a school-wide assembly. She was part of a nationwide recognition program where 1,300 teachers received a surprise visit by local OfficeMax staff laden with gifts worth over $1,000 for each classroom.

Ms. Oberloh was nominated by Office Manager Jeni White and Bookkeeper Tricia McGuire. "Although all of our staff deserves to be recognized, we kept coming back to Christine for many reasons," they said. "She is a tireless advocate for student success - she often spends her lunch time tracking down students to follow up with them. She makes phone calls to homes and comes in early or stays late to help students with assignments."

In addition Ms. Oberloh is seen as a great team player. "She is the first person to volunteer to cover when there's a shortage or picks up a ringing phone when the office staff is busy helping other students," said White. "Christine is an amazing teacher and co-worker."

Included in the enormous prize box were lots of pens, colored pencils, Sharpies, Post-it notes, and many other basic supplies. There was also a digital camera and a label maker. Ms. Oberloh also received a leather, ergonomic, desk chair.

OfficeMax has declared educators as its companywide cause and is mobilizing 3,500+ employees to support teachers nationwide. "A Day Made Better" is derived from the concept that OfficeMax can make at least one day better for educators, providing 1,300 teachers with essential classroom supplies. Through this event, OfficeMax seeks to educate and motivate the public to take action and partner with educators and schools in their community to make donations to Adopt-a-Classroom, funding more than 10,000 classrooms.