Driven by Dedication
The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” —William Arthur Ward
Teachers shape minds. They mold hearts. They guide generations. Yet, way too often, their work and sacrifices go unseen and unrecognized. Many sadly withhold their loudest applause and highest compensation for celebrities and athletes. It seems easy to forget those true unsung heroes who work tirelessly every day behind classroom doors.
But not in Texarkana.
Each year, Robbins Toyota–one of the oldest car dealerships in Texas–honors local Teachers of the Year from participating school districts by handing them the keys to a new Toyota RAV4. These vehicles, fully insured and maintained, come with a tank of gas and a car wash every month for an entire year. It is a program that not only surprises but uplifts those who have given so much of themselves to Texarkana’s students.
“Teachers frequently don’t receive the recognition and appreciation they deserve for the dedication and vital role they play in shaping our students’ futures,” says Susan Robbins, owner and operator of Robbins Toyota. “By giving the Teacher of the Year a car, it’s our way of giving back and drawing attention to some of the most amazing teachers in our community.”
Districts participating in the program include Texarkana ISD (TISD), Liberty-Eylau ISD (LEISD) and Texarkana Arkansas School District (TASD). Each Teacher of the Year is presented with their RAV4 during a joyful and often emotional ceremony, complete with applause and sometimes tears.
For Katie Diaz, TISD Teacher of the Year, the gesture has had a deeply personal impact. “Being given the use of a car for a year has been such a blessing,” she said. “As a teacher, it meant so much to be recognized in that way, but on a personal level, it’s been even more impactful. I’ve been living with cancer for the past 12 years and travel to the cancer center in Dallas regularly. Knowing I have a safe, reliable car to get me there and back has taken such a burden off my shoulders. Robbins Toyota’s generosity has meant more to me than they probably realize…not just as a teacher, but as someone who has been walking a very long road. I’m truly grateful!”
LEISD’s honoree, LaBrandon McDaniel, is using his vehicle to give back in a different way. “It’s a blessing! I’m honored to represent the Liberty-Eylau School District and the community,” he says. “I love saving money and because of Robbins Toyota and State Farm, I am able to put more money into my family and less wear and tear on my own car. I plan on putting the car on the road to watch former athletes in college play and taking the family on road trips.”
Gaby Valle, also of TISD, finds joy in the reactions she gets behind the wheel. “I am enjoying driving the car so much! It’s been fun seeing people react to it. My favorite part is when students that know me see the car and they start waving! It is truly an incredible opportunity to represent not just my district but also all the teachers that have a passion for being in the classroom. I am so grateful to the sponsors for providing this opportunity."
Shannon Roberson, Teacher of the Year at TASD, shares, “Being named district Teacher of the Year is a blessing and receiving a car as a token of appreciation is the icing on the cake! Special thanks to Robbins Toyota for making this happen and the Texarkana Arkansas School District for being recognized.”
This initiative is made possible not just by Robbins Toyota, but through partnerships with Derrick McGary State Farm Insurance Agency and Kelli Ashbrook State Farm Insurance Agency who sponsor the insurance for each vehicle. Their support ensures that teachers can enjoy their year behind the wheel worry free!
Susan Robbins adds, “We enjoy watching the shock, joy, and occasional tears as they are awarded the new RAV4. It’s a reminder of how meaningful recognition for a job well done can be. We hear stories of meals being paid for in drive-through lanes, congratulatory honks, waves, and even reserved parking spots. It’s amazing!”
The dealership’s commitment to education doesn’t stop with teachers. Each year, Robbins Toyota awards a brand-new Toyota Corolla to a graduating senior with perfect attendance from their senior year. The car is theirs to keep for good —it’s fully theirs from the moment they win. This is given in front of family and faculty at a celebratory event hosted at the dealership.
Founded in 1966 by Eddie Robbins, Robbins Toyota is the second oldest Toyota dealership In Texas. After Eddie’s unexpected passing in 2014, his daughter, Susan, returned to Texarkana full time in 2016 to take over as owner and operator. She has continued her father’s legacy with not only a strong business presence but a commitment to giving back to the community that has built them.
The dealership’s passion for educators runs deep, “We love to hear the stories from teachers driving their new Toyotas all over the country,“ Susan says. “It reminds us of why we do this.”
In a world that often moves too fast to notice those quiet unsung heroes among us, Robbins Toyota has now chosen to recognize and celebrate the educators who shape our kids’ futures. Students don’t always move on in life remembering every lesson that they have been taught, but they always remember the teachers who believed in them. With every RAV4 that hits the road, it’s not just a car—it’s a moving tribute to the power of teaching and a big, bold way of saying “Thank you!”
