Lou Malnati’s recognizes winning educators with ‘free pizza for a year’ through its Teacher Appreciation Initiative

Lou Malnati’s Recognizes Winning Educators with ‘Free Pizza for a Year’ through its Teacher Appreciation Initiative

Community nominations recognize teachers going above and beyond

CHICAGO — Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria is closing out the school year by surprising 70 teachers across Chicagoland, Arizona and Wisconsin with ‘free pizza for a year’ through its Teacher Appreciation initiative. Launched during Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4–8), the campaign invited the public to nominate outstanding educators and drew more than 2,300 submissions from students, parents, faculty and community members. Winners will receive prizes ranging from free pizza monthly to free pizza every week for a year.

The grand prize winner, Mandy P. from Lundahl Middle School in Lakewood, IL, was described by a nominator as more than just a teacher and a lifeline for students navigating the social challenges of middle school. In addition to free pizza for a year, her school Lundahl Midde School will also receive a schoolwide pizza party.   

Additional winners include Matt R., the Transition Department Chair from Lincoln-Way Central High School was praised for his leadership connecting students with disabilities to real-world life skills and vocational opportunities; Jennifer S., a Spanish teacher from Fremd High School was recognized for helping students reach levels of fluency they had never achieved before; and Sergio T., a World Cultures teacher from West Aurora High School was nominated by 16 of his own students for creating an engaging and welcoming classroom where every student feels supported.

“For 55 years, Lou Malnati’s has been proud to serve and support the communities we call home. Every year during Teacher Appreciation Week, we continue our tradition of giving back by ce-lou-brating the educators who make a difference every day,” said Marc Malnati, owner of Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria.

For many winners, their connection to Lou Malnati’s runs deep. Amanda, a winner from Addison, said she worked at Lou’s for nearly seven years before becoming a teacher. Jana, a winner from Aurora Farnsworth, shared that Lou Malnati’s has long been where her family celebrates birthdays, graduations and even her rehearsal dinner.

To learn more about the Teacher Appreciation initiative and the educators behind it, visit: https://www.loumalnatis.com/celoubrate-teachers/