Robbins Toyota Educators 2026 Teacher of the Year Celebration

TEXARKANA — Robbins Toyota continued its growing tradition of celebrating local educators this July with its annual Teacher of the Year Car Giveaway, awarding selected teachers from Texarkana-area districts a free one-year lease on a new vehicle.

Now in its third year, the program recognizes outstanding teachers from Texarkana ISD, Texarkana Arkansas School District, and Liberty-Eylau ISD, highlighting the impact educators make in classrooms across the region.

Dealership owner Susan Robbins, general manager Charles Pankey, and community partners who helped make the program possible attended celebrations at each school district’s Teacher of the Year event. This year’s honorees included:

Senitha Hodge — Texarkana ISD
Lauren Nolen — Texarkana ISD
Monica McLelland — Texarkana Arkansas School District
Alicia Prater — Liberty-Eylau ISD

Each teacher received the keys to a 2026 Toyota RAV4 XLE, which they will drive for the upcoming school year at no cost.

Robbins said the program is designed to show appreciation for educators who consistently go above and beyond. She shared that teachers often invest countless hours into their students and rarely receive recognition equal to their efforts. The giveaway, she explained, is one way the dealership hopes to uplift and encourage those shaping the next generation.

Teachers expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting that the gesture made them feel valued by the community and inspired to continue their work with renewed energy.

As part of the program, Robbins Toyota provides one free tank of gas, one free car wash per month, and free vehicle maintenance throughout the year. Local State Farm agents Kelli Ashbrook and Derrick McGary sponsor the vehicles’ insurance, ensuring teachers incur no out-of-pocket costs.

Robbins emphasized that the Texarkana community has supported the dealership for decades, and giving back through local schools has become one of the company’s favorite traditions.

In addition to the teacher giveaway, Robbins Toyota also hosted its annual Attend & Win event earlier this summer, awarding a brand-new 2026 Toyota Corolla to a local high school senior with exemplary attendance.

This year’s Teacher of the Year celebration brought together educators, sponsors, and dealership staff for a moment of recognition and community pride.