Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School teacher recognized for service to students with "Hometown Hero Appreciation Award" Joint Initiative between Dunkin' Donuts and Binghamton Athletics recognizes teacher making a difference in the classroom Newschannel 34 Video Coverage BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (Feb. 2012) - A Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School teacher has been chosen as the winner of a joint initiative between Dunkin' Donuts and Binghamton Athletics to recognize an educator making a difference in the classroom. Fifth-grade teacher Dario Vazquez was honored with the "Hometown Hero Teacher Appreciation Award" for his lasting impact on students and student athletes. Vazquez was presented with a one-year supply of Dunkin' Donuts coffee during a special recognition ceremony during halftime of the Bearcats' men’s basketball game at the Events Center on Thursday night. "Dunkin' Donuts believes in recognizing those who inspire others to be the best they can be," said Eric Stensland, upstate New York field marketing manager for Dunkin' Donuts. "We're pleased to be able to honor Dario Vazquez for his commitment to our future leaders, workers and thinkers." Vazquez was selected based on a two-page, handwritten essay submitted by his student, Jordan Brown in his 5th grade class. Vazquez has taught for five years in the Binghamton City School District, where he was an assistant varsity football coach and is currently a modified boys' basketball coach. He graduated from Binghamton High School, SUNY Delhi and received his degree in childhood education and history from SUNY Cortland. "We are delighted to once again work with Dunkin Donuts to recognize another local Hometown Hero. We have so many deserving teachers in our community and are proud to help recognize the efforts of Dario Vazquez from Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School," said Binghamton University Athletic Director Patrick Elliott. The Hometown Hero award is the culmination of a comprehensive season-long partnership between Dunkin' Donuts and the Binghamton University Bearcats' men’s and women’s basketball teams.