FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 13, 2025
United Supermarkets & Mrs Baird’s Bread honor three Lubbock area teachers as
Teachers on the Rise for October
LUBBOCK, Texas — The United Family and Mrs Baird’s Bread® announced the October winners of the fifteenth annual Teachers On The Rise program. Since the program’s launch in August, nominations have poured in from students and families across the South Plains, highlighting how teachers go above and beyond the call of duty and deserve special recognition.
Congratulations to our winners from October: Brandi Gonzales of Whitharral Elementary School (Whitharral ISD), Kim Ibarra of Levelland Middle School (Levelland ISD), and Philip Perkins of Lubbock High School (Lubbock ISD).
“Our teachers go above and beyond every single day, and it feels great to shine a spotlight on their hard work,” said Abie Rampy, director of public relations for The United Family. “This program is one of our favorite ways to celebrate the heart of our communities, and we can’t wait to see all the amazing educators who will be honored in the months ahead.”
"With more than 800 nominations already this school year, we are hearing about great accounts of outstanding educators in South Plains classrooms,” said Shane Sumrow, the program’s director. “We encourage students and families to continue sending in nominations all school year. With Thanksgiving around the corner, this is a perfect time to tell us why you are thankful for your teachers."
Winning teachers receive a $100 United Supermarkets gift card, lunch for two to the Texas Tech Club, and a gift box full of Mrs Baird’s goodies. The students who nominate a winning teacher also receive a $50 American Express gift card. Teachers On The Rise is sponsored by the Texas Tech Club and Atmos Energy.
To nominate a teacher from your school, visit www.TeachersOnTheRise.com. Follow the Teachers On The Rise Program throughout the school year, including the latest monthly winners on their social media pages: Instagram: @LUBBTOTR / Facebook: @LubbockTeachersOnTheRise
Mrs Baird’s and The United Family® Facebook pages:
www.facebook.com/mrsbairds and www.facebook.com/unitedwesttexas.
Media Contacts:
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About The United Family®
In its 109th year of operation, United Supermarkets, LLC – d.b.a. The United Family® – is a Texas-based grocery chain with stores in 54 communities across Texas and New Mexico. A self-distributing company with headquarters and distribution centers in Lubbock, The United Family currently operates 100 retail grocery stores under four unique banners: United Supermarkets, Market Street, Amigos, and Albertsons Market. It also operates 40 convenience stores under three unique banners: United Express, Market Street Express, and Albertsons Market Express. The United Family also includes ancillary operations R.C. Taylor Distributing, USM Manufacturing, and Llano Logistics. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Albertsons Companies, Inc. For more information, please visit www.theunitedfamily.com.