Ohio Lottery Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week With Class Field Trip and Surprise for School Bus Drivers

CLEVELAND (May 5, 2026) – In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, the Ohio Lottery’s Giving Back program is recognizing the educators and school staff who keep Ohio’s students moving forward – in the classroom and on the road. 

Field Trip Giveaway: Greenville Class Heads to Hueston Woods

Corey Zickefoose, a weightlifting teacher at Greenville Senior High School, has been selected as this year’s Teacher Appreciation Field Trip Giveaway winner through a random drawing of all licensed K-12 public school teachers in Ohio. 

“This fieldtrip is a simple way to say thank you to the teachers who show up for the students every day and make learning meaningful,” said Ohio Lottery Communications Director Danielle Frizzi-Babb. “We’re proud to partner with ODNR to give this class a day they’ll remember, and to recognize Corey Zickefoose for the tangible difference he makes every day.”

Zickefoose will bring his students on a free educational field trip to Hueston Woods State Park, coordinated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), featuring a Nature Center Tour and Raptor Show, a guided hike, and archery. In addition to the field trip, each student will receive a Giving Back lunch bag, and Greenville Senior High School will receive a $500 gift card from the Ohio Lottery.

Stan Hughes, Greenville High School Principal says, “Life experiences are where a huge amount of learning happens for for all people, and our kids need some of those life experiences outside of Darke County, so I’m excited for them to go down to Heuston Woods to check some things out and do a little physical activity. 

Bus Driver Appreciation: Recognizing the Unsung Heroes of Ohio’s Schools

Immediately following the teacher award presentation, Ohio Lottery staff surprised Greenville’s high school bus drivers before their afternoon routes. 

Each driver received a Visa gift card and a Giving Back prize pack – a gesture tied to a significant investment: the Ohio Lottery’s support of $10 million in school bus safety grant funding, made possible through Lottery proceeds, which helps keep students safe on Ohio roads every day.

To learn more about the Ohio Lottery’s Giving Back Program and their other efforts in Ohio communities, visit OhioLottery.com/giving-back.

The Ohio Lottery values responsible play and encourages players to keep it fun. Learn more about responsible play here.  If you or someone you know is experiencing a gambling problem, help is available 24/7 by calling the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966. 

The Ohio Lottery has contributed more than $34 billion to education since 1974. For more information about the Ohio Lottery and its contribution to education, visit www.ohiolottery.com/supportingeducation

CONTACT:

Ohio Lottery Office of Communications

216-774-5685