Downey High teachers honored with first-ever Teacher Appreciation Week celebration

DOWNEY — The Downey High School Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) hosted its first-ever Teacher Appreciation Week celebration on Tuesday, honoring nearly 200 educators with a festive Cinco de Mayo-themed gathering.

The event was made possible through a National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) grant funded by Walmart, along with an in-kind product donation from the local Walmart Neighborhood Market, located at 12270 Paramount Blvd. Teachers enjoyed lunch, colorful decorations, a piñata, and a variety of treats, including conchas, churros, and donuts, all set up by the Downey PTSA.

“Teacher Appreciation Week is a meaningful opportunity for us to recognize the dedication, passion, and care our teachers bring to the classroom every single day,” said Anna Muggleton, President of the Downey High School PTSA. “Thanks to the support from Walmart and the National PTA grant, we were finally able to create a celebration that truly reflects how valued our teachers are. This event was about showing gratitude and bringing our school community together in a joyful and memorable way.”

Downey High School was one of two schools in California selected to receive the National PTA grant funded by Walmart. Mark Twain Elementary School in Lawndale also received a grant to help the school celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week as well as an in-kind product donation from Walmart’s Hawthorn Neighborhood Market. The funding and in-kind donations for both schools are part of a broader effort to support local school communities and recognize educators nationwide during Teacher Appreciation Week.

“At Walmart, we’re proud to support the educators who make a lasting difference in our community,” said Juan Cruz Nunez, store manager of the Downey Walmart Neighborhood Market. “It was an honor for our team to contribute to this special celebration to help recognize the teachers at Downey High School. The impact of teachers reaches far beyond the classroom, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to give back.”