Teachers and educators get free coffee at McDonald’s

Le’ah Murphy, a fifth-grade teacher for Koblerville Elementary School, poses with staff of McDonald’s. (Contributed Photo)

In celebration of National Teachers Appreciation Week, McDonald’s of Saipan is expressing its gratitude to all teachers and educators by offering them a free cup of hot coffee this week.

From May 6 up to today, May 10, teachers and educators will be able to redeem a free small hot coffee from 5:30am to 10am at McDonald’s Middle Road and from 6:30am to 10am at McDonald’s in Garapan (no purchase necessary). “The purpose of launching this promotion was to express our gratitude to all of our teachers and educators. They play a key role in educating and inspiring our kids to learn, grow and give back to their community. What most people don’t see are all the personal sacrifices that teachers and educators make to keep classes ongoing, especially during difficult times (due to natural disasters or financial difficulties),” said Mable A. Glenn of McDonald’s of Saipan.

Marcia Ayuyu, owner/operator of McDonald’s of Saipan, added that this is their way of showing teachers “that we appreciate their hard work in the classroom. To teachers in the CNMI, we appreciate all that you do. This program is a way of saying ‘thank you.’”

During the week, teachers from around the island have expressed their gratitude to McDonald’s for the thoughtful recognition.

Le’ah Murphy, a fifth-grade teacher for Koblerville Elementary School, said that mornings are tough for educators. “We know we have so much to do and we have so much on our minds because of the students we serve. McDonald’s made it easier this week with one less thing to think of, a cup of coffee for free,” she said. “I’m thrilled they are just as thankful for us serving our community and for showing it in their excellent service! The cup and smiles made my day and encouraged me to do my best all over again today.”

Murphy is also an ed-tech teacher, member of the PSS Aspiring Leaders Cohort 2 and a member of the Pacific Century Fellows Class of 2019.

Karen Echon Camacho, a teacher at Saipan Southern High School and an NHS adviser, said: “No matter what [McDonald’s] provides, from painting and maintaining bus stops to giving away free coffee, we are thankful to them. That’s why I’d like to say, ‘Thank you, McDonald’s’ for always supporting our students, teachers, and educators!”

Barbara K. Merfalen, who is vice principal at Mount Carmel School said that recognizing teachers’ dedication to teaching and learning “is noticed and appreciated.”

Reflecting on the McDonald’s promotion, Saipan Southern High School teacher Arisa Sakai said that “it takes a village and a community to raise a child. It takes a dedicated company like McDonald’s to help our students with scholarships, beautification projects and support for educators. Thank you, McDonald’s, for an amazing treat!” (PR)