At a recent pep rally for Sunset Elementary, physical education teacher Johnny Ford found himself at the center of attention as he was surprised with a $2,000 check from McDonald’s.

Ford was selected as an award recipient for the One Class at a Time program, an initiative launched by a group of McDonald’s owners and operators in the Rocky Mountain region.

“It was definitely a surprise,” Ford said as he reflected on the honor. “I filled out something months ago because I had heard about this program, but I just kind of forgot about it.”

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Ford’s humility and dedication to his students was evident as the conversation quickly switched from what the award means to him to what the extra funding could do for his students.

“There’s so many needs,” he said as he covered some of the ways the money will benefit students.

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Ford has dedicated a decade to teaching with his whole tenure being at Sunset Elementary. Asked about his favorite aspect of his job, he spoke about his passion for making a difference in the lives of his students.

“I get to work with every kid every day,” he said. “I say this humbly, but I get hopefully the chance to make a difference in somebody’s life every day.”

Sunset Elementary has adopted a Super Mario-inspired theme for the year, which frequently sees staff dressed as characters for special events. Thursday’s pep rally was no different. Despite being dressed as Mario during the surprise announcement, Ford laughed off his unique wardrobe choice.

“Many years ago, I said I would do anything for kids — and they hold me to that for sure anytime they need somebody to do something goofy,” he said.

Sunset Elementary secretary Jessica Murray and Principal Andrea Murphy applauded Ford’s dedication to the students.

“Mr. Ford cares deeply for every student — every kid, every grade,” Murray said. “He is compassionate and he’s just ‘that guy.'”

Murphy added that Ford goes the extra mile for his students.

“Hands down, he cares about relationships with kids and growing them,” she said. “Beyond the physical education-fitness part, he wants to grow them to their full character.”

Murphy also said Ford’s positive attitude makes him popular with students and fellow staff members.

“Everywhere he goes, he spreads positivity,” she said.

Ford’s award presentation was made by James Nelson, owner and operator of the local Craig McDonald’s. Nelson expressed admiration for teachers going “above and beyond” and provided some background on the award program and the group behind it.

The program was initiated by the Rocky Mountain McDonald’s operators in the fall of 2022 as a way to give back to classrooms. The 40 owner-operators who make up the group are spread across all of Colorado, southern Wyoming and western Nebraska.

The group’s spokesperson Debbie Fitzgerald said all of the owners “come together and pool their money” for programs such as One Classroom at a Time.

Fitzgerald emphasized that despite the perception of McDonald’s as a faceless corporation, it includes many small business owners who are deeply invested in their communities.

Through its One Classroom at a Time program, the group awards $2,000 every two weeks during the school year to teachers in the Rocky Mountain region. Since its launch, the program has awarded nearly $50,000 to educators across the region.

Fitzgerald shared that while previous award-winners have come from all across the region, Ford is the first from the Craig area.

Kelli Bosshardt, McDonald’s area manager, commented on the obvious admiration for Ford among his students and co-workers, underscoring the positive impact his teaching style has had on the school and community.

“It certainly sounds like he’s very popular,” Bosshardt remarked, referencing the student body’s thunderous applause for Ford’s big win.