Rogers teacher named a 'commander'

Martin Resendiz, a Spanish teacher at New Technology High School, is greeted by his students Thursday in Rogers. Resendiz is one of 20 teachers nationwide chosen as one of Wal-Mart’s “Commander in Teach(ers).”
Martin Resendiz, a Spanish teacher at New Technology High School, is greeted by his students Thursday in Rogers. Resendiz is one of 20 teachers nationwide chosen as one of Wal-Mart’s “Commander in Teach(ers).”

ROGERS -- Martin Resendiz has achieved a level of popularity not many other teachers in the country can claim.

Resendiz, who teaches Spanish for native speakers at New Technology High School, was chosen by Wal-Mart as one of its 20 "Commander in Teach(ers)."

The program called on Wal-Mart customers to nominate their favorite teachers. More than 700 were nominated. The 20 who received the most votes online were elected Commanders in Teach.

Resendiz learned of the honor Thursday when School District officials, Wal-Mart employees and students surprised him at the school with balloons, bags of classroom supplies and a $490 Wal-Mart gift card he may use to buy additional supplies.

"I can't find the words to explain the feeling," said Resendiz, wearing a gray New Technology High T-shirt. He added the announcement had moved him to tears.

Resendiz, 24, is a 2010 Rogers High School graduate. He attended the University of Central Arkansas before returning to Rogers two years ago to teach. He also coaches cross country and soccer for Heritage High School.

Students serenaded Resendiz during Thursday's surprise announcement with one of his favorite songs, Mi Mayor Anhelo by Banda MS, accompanied by senior Edgar Fraire on the accordion.

Fraire, 17, said he's known Resendiz for a few years.

"The only reason I joined Spanish for native speakers is because I knew he was an excellent teacher," Fraire said. "If I'm falling behind in school, I'll go to him for help."

Darlene Valiente, 16, also is one of Resendiz's students.

"We learn, but he makes it so much fun," Valiente said.

Tina Budnaitis, manager of the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Pleasant Crossing Boulevard, attended the presentation with some employees.

"It's quite an honor," Budnaitis said. "He's shaping our future leaders and future associates who will come work for me."

A concert featuring Hispanic artists is scheduled for Sunday at the Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion. Resendiz said he has a project going where some of his students will be volunteering at the event, doing face-painting and supervising children.

"Before today, the budget I was going to use was $220. Now we have $490," he said.

Wal-Mart gave $490 gift cards to its winners because that's the estimated average amount teachers spend from their own pockets on classroom-related expenses each year, according to a news release issued on the company's behalf.

The other 19 winners in the program came from Tennessee, Oklahoma, Florida, Colorado, Missouri, North Carolina, Kentucky and Iowa.

NW News on 09/23/2016

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