Hilltop Chevrolet salutes front-line educators with first class lunch, 800 of 'em

A catering team from Round About restaurant hands off teacher lunches to Kerrie Morales and Mike Wing from Hilltop Chevrolet on Monday. (Courtesy photos)

ROCHESTER - Nursing home staff, first responders and health care workers have oft been recognized for their commitment and sacrifice during the pandemic, but on Monday and Tuesday it was Rochester teachers who are also on the front lines getting their due, thanks to Hilltop Chevrolet in Somersworth.

During the two-day giveback the longtime Somersworth auto dealership, along with Roundabout Diner, Favorite Foods and Saunders Fruit and Produce collaborated to prepare, package and deliver 800 meals to Rochester inschool teachers and para educators.

Kylie Currier Goodwin, left, and Nancy Notis, both of Hilltop Chevrolet, prepare a delivery for one of Rochester's schools on Monday.

Rochester Schools Supt. Kyle Repucci did not let the outpouring of community and philanthropy go unnoticed.

" We are humbled and grateful to have such a generous community partner.," Repucci said. "Thank you to Ron Currier, Nancy Notis, Kylie Goodwin, and the whole team at Hilltop Chevrolet for providing our teachers with this incredible gift. Our teachers have done an amazing job providing students with an exceptional learning experience during these uncertain times and support like this from the community means a lot to all of us."

As part of the project, employees of Hilltop Chevrolet delivered lunches to all Rochester Public Schools. Elementary schools got theirs on Monday, while the city's middle and high school educators enjoyed a delicious lunch on Tuesday.

Hilltop Chevrolet has collaborated with the city for dozens of athletic and community events, but this was the first event of this size they had undertaken. After the community rallied to support the dealership this past summer after a fire broke out at their facility, Currier said they wanted to pay it forward.

"It's a real thank you mission for some unsung heroes, the teachers. We talk about first responders, but we also need to recognize the teachers and what they do each and every day," Currier said. "We are lucky to have such great partners, who are making sure everyone is taken care of. It's been a tough time for so many people and we're blessed that we're able to do this. As a family owned business, we know the difference giving back to the community can make and always try to be a good neighbor."

Notis said on Tuesday the response from teachers and para professionals has been "heartwarming."

"We are so pleased we were able to do this," she added. "Hopefully others will follow our lead in thanking our teachers. It has not been easy."