ROCK CAVE – Rock Cave Elementary School classrooms and teachers received a huge surprise Wednesday.

Matt Jenkins, general manager of Jenkins Subaru in Bridgeport, presented a check to Rock Cave Elementary School for $6,000, which will give each classroom $500 to spend on needed supplies for the year.

RCES Principal Brian Allman kept the donation under wraps, so when everyone gathered at the school and learned about the gift, the students and teachers were pleasantly surprised by its generosity.

Nicky Smith, third-grade teacher at RCES, said she was so excited about the donation.

“We had no idea what was happening,” Smith said. “Personally, I cannot tell you how much of my own money I spend on my classroom, and this will really help. To know I have $500 to spend on items that will benefit my students leaves me speechless and super excited.”

Jenkins, a Buckhannon native, said the business elected RCES to be the recipient of the gift because RCES is at the southern end of the county and they thought the donation could assist all of the students and classrooms because RCES is one of the smaller schools in Upshur County.

“We were able to help out every classroom in the school and each teacher will receive $500,” Jenkins said. “Subaru loves Students partnered with us to help out with our donation and we know on average, a teacher spends about an average of $700 of their own money for classroom supplies. We are hopeful this will really help out.”

Dr. Debra Harrison, interim superintendent of Upshur County Schools, said the money gifted by Jenkins Subaru is wonderful.

“Our teachers deserve this,” Harrison said. “I am proud of Mr. Allman for working for this and for keeping this a secret for the teachers. Jenkins Subaru has always been a big supporter of Upshur County Schools and we appreciate their generosity.”

Upshur County Board of Education member Sherry Dean attended the check presentation ceremony at RCES. She said she was excited to see positive events happening for the teachers, staff, students and classrooms at RCES.

“This is so wonderful,” Dean said. “The opportunity it will give to our students is wonderful. Our teachers need the extra money to help in the classrooms and with the current inflation, it could not have come at a better time. I am so excited for RCES.”

Allman introduced each of the teachers at RCES and thanked them for all they do to help students. He said each teacher will sign up online and receive the money to use to purchase needed supplies to benefit the students at the school.

“I just want to reiterate how awesome this is of Mr. Jenkins and Jenkins Subaru,” Allman said. “We really appreciate all they are doing for our school, teachers and the students. I cannot thank you enough for your kindness and your generosity. This will benefit the Rock Cave community for years to come.”