RENO, Nev. - Nevada Athletics partnered with the College Football Playoff Foundation and Extra Yard for Teachers Week once again in 2026 to honor and recognize the impact of educators in the Washoe County School District.

The annual eight-day celebration dedicated to honoring and recognizing great teachers runs this week (Sept. 12-19) with Big Day For Teachers recognized Tuesday. The Wolf Pack held its recognition at last Saturday's football game against Montana State.
 
In the wake of multiple wildfires which have affected numerous areas of Reno, this year's grants were awarded to four schools in the North Valleys and Cold Springs areas.

Lemmon Valley Elementary School was selected as the winner of this year's $5,000 donation. Additional grants were awarded to schools in the affected area. Silver Lake Elementary School and Michael Inskeep Elementary school each received a $2,500 gift and O'Brien Middle School was the recipient of a $1,000 gift.
 
At Saturday's football game, the checks were presented on-field to the principals and staff of each school: Brynn Hall (Lemmon Valley), Sue Adams (Inskeep), Nina Walker (Silver Lake) and Amanda Pippin (O'Brien).

"After a difficult start to the school year, when wildfires affected our community, this gift provided a welcome and timely boost," Lemmon Valley Elementary School principal Brynn Hall said in a statement. "It will empower our students to access their full potential, become better citizens, and reach higher heights in their academics. Our Leopards have pride, and we are grateful for this investment in our students and for the encouragement it brings to our entire school community."

The continued partnership between the Wolf Pack and Washoe County School District has helped to connect students and teachers to the University of Nevada. The collaboration has helped the University assist schools in need and award teachers for their exemplary service to Washoe County School District.

Extra Yard for Teachers Week is a nationwide celebration of teachers, led by the CFP Foundation and uses the platform of college football to show appreciation for educators in communities across the country. Created in 2015, #ExtraYardWeek provides an opportunity for universities, coaches and student-athletes to take part in its mission of elevating the teaching profession by recognizing inspiring teachers at games, events and on social media. The Big Day for Teachers is the largest single day effort led by the CFP Foundation and in close partnership with sports, education and corporate partners to deliver resources and surprise teachers in schools across the country.

The College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation is the 501(c)3 non-profit organization serving as the community engagement arm of the College Football Playoff and works in partnership with institutions of higher education, sports organizations, corporations and non-profits to support educators and improve student outcomes. The purpose of the CFP Foundation lies in supporting PK-12 education by elevating the teaching profession. The CFP Foundation's primary platform, Extra Yard for Teachers, is dedicated to elevating the teaching profession by inspiring and empowering teachers in four core areas: resources, recognition, professional development, recruitment and retention.