Cyndi Loza

Sparks Middle School gym teacher was named “Teacher of the Year” by the Northtowne Wal-Mart store this week.

For the honor, Robert Alesevich received a $1,000 grant for the school, a $100 gift card to buy supplies for the classroom and a personalized certificate.

“Mr. Alesevich is a very caring teacher,” said Principal Andrew Yoxsimer, who added that the money will be used for gym supplies. “He makes P.E. fun and engaging for the kids, and he is definitely one of the most popular teachers in the building.”

Alesevich said he felt honored.

“I just pride myself on being the type of teacher that I wanted in a middle school,” Alesevich said. “That would be, I would say, why they like me so much.”